Lillian Layman (far left), Emmie Burgess (middle left), Ashley Teeters (middle right) and James Bebout (far right) hold signs for the Utica FFA Chapter’s Wrap for a Reason event.
The Utica FFA Chapter in Ohio knew it could be much more involved in the community.
So, the chapter officer team and agriculture capstone class formulated multiple ideas that could get their chapter’s name out to members of the community. Each idea had a common cause: helping the less fortunate in their small town.
The Beginning of Something Great
Since September, Utica FFA has held three drives to collect certain items for its community. These items were given directly to citizens or local food pantries and businesses.
The chapter’s first drive of the year was called the Glamour and Grace Dress Drive. For two weeks leading up to the event, chapter members were tasked with collecting new and used homecoming and prom dresses. The chapter successfully collected close to 200 items of formal wear for both men and women to donate to the community.
Utica High School cafeteria set up for the Utica FFA Glamour and Grace Dress Drive.
Students in the agriculture capstone class developed an action plan for the drive, sorted through dresses and formal wear, and gathered volunteers to help run the event. The event was also posted on the chapter’s social media page as well as the community’s Facebook group.
When the weekend arrived for the event, members set up and worked the drive, helping attendees find the perfect outfit to wear to their school dances. The drive allowed many people to obtain formal wear for free!
Second, the chapter hosted the Give Back Drive, which took place the week before Thanksgiving. The chapter collected nonperishable food, clothing, and hygiene items to give to the local food pantry.
The agriculture capstone class decided what the local food pantry needed and created posts and posters to hang around the school. During the drive, chapter members went to each homeroom in Utica High School and Middle School twice a week to collect donations. The chapter gave the local food pantry close to 120 items to fill their shelves before Thanksgiving.
Finally, the Utica FFA officer team wanted to help community members with the daunting task of wrapping Christmas presents. The chapter collected donations of tape and wrapping paper for a week in preparation for the event. Then, they held the event in the chapter’s shop building. Members kept busy all afternoon wrapping gifts for their community members.
Utica FFA embodies what it truly means to be “Living to Serve.” Members have been busy helping their community during this wonderful time of year. Chapter members hope to leave a lasting impact and create many traditions that will live on for years to come.
