Florida FFA District VI President Lacy Box.
Life can be full of difficult and even treacherous journeys. Florida FFA District VI President and Deland FFA member Lacy Box is working to make these situations even easier through her service project, “Light Up The Fight.”
The Idea
In August, Box received heavy news about an influential community member. She learned one of her mentors, Amy McAllister, is battling breast cancer. After she spent time in conversation with McAllister, Box had an idea.
She turned to one of her East Coast Federation FFA teammates, Mia Portillo, and immediately began working on what they could do. Box wanted to aid not only McAllister but also those dealing with the same circumstance. Therefore, District VI and East Coast Federation FFA, which cover Volusia, Flagler and Seminole counties, decided to hold a drive to collect items and make care packages for those at the Halifax Health Center. Box undeniably did her part in leading it all.
Lacy Box (left) and Amy McAllister (right).
The care packages had items that aimed to “light up” an individual during a time of uncertainty. These items range from corded headphones to prayer books, ChapStick, lotion and more. Box said the planning process included “long conversations with McAllister and others that have been through this treatment [as well as] many nights studying articles about chemotherapy and what could help brighten up the situation.“
East Coast Federation FFA officers line up care packages made by members.
Community Service in Action
The District VI officers shared all the information about the drive with FFA members, community members and local business leaders. They did this by advocating on social media and emailing the local advisors and chapter members. The team also made this drive part of their annual Winter Ball by promoting the donation of items alongside the popular event. Spreading the word about this drive was an integral process that was necessary to meet the goal of raising enough for 200 care packages.
On Jan. 25, 2025, District VI and the East Coast Federation FFA held another event called Area III Summit. The event is a leadership conference open to all Area III chapters in Florida FFA. During the conference, students from around Area III helped assemble these care packages.
In the end, the original goal was surpassed, and 300 care packages were made.
Members work to assemble the care packages.
“I was taught at a young age to give more than you take,” Box says. “Community service is all about making sure the people around you are being supported and taken care of, no matter the situation. One thing I would like people to take away from this project is that it doesn’t take much to make people smile — just a little thoughtfulness and kindness will brighten someone’s day.”
