Cheerleaders “Unite for the Community” with Inside-Out Ministries food drive
Cheerleaders from Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools are “United for the Community” to collect food for Inside-Out Ministries.
Bob Jones fans will bring peanut butter and James Clemens supporters will bring jelly to drop-off points at Madison City Schools Stadium when their football teams compete on Sept. 7. The school collecting the most food will be “Unite for the Community” champs.
“Instead of rivalry, we want to focus on bringing the Madison community together. It’s something we’ve discussed since the split (of schools). We’re so excited to start that tradition,” James Clemens sponsor Andrea Alexander said.
Jets cheer captains are Ariel Abrams, Kristine Kirkland, Reagen Martin, Jennifer Perry and Gabrielle Winn.
“Inside-Out can easily store the products and use them over a longer time period,” Zoe Williams said. She is Bob Jones cheer assistant coach and sponsor.
Each month, Inside-Out Ministries distributes approximately 100 sets of peanut butter and jelly. “The necessity for food in Madison is real,” co-founder Deborah Ward said. “While only five percent of Madison’s population is estimated to live in poverty (2010 census), another group just barely makes it above that poverty line.”
This demographic may not qualify for food stamps yet struggle to provide enough food for their families, Ward said. “Madison is rich in caring people. This (food drive) is more evidence.”
Cheerleaders are challenging business owners to match donations, $1 per jar, Patriots captain Ashley Acker said. “We can show those going through a hard time that our hearts are with them.”
Drew Jones of Bob Jones said the drive “is a great way of helping our neighbors in need. I was very shocked to hear hungry people are right here in our community.” Emily Nicholson was also surprised. “That’s so different from what I’m exposed to in the community. We need to all come together to make a difference,” Ashley Acker said.
Head coach Dan Harrod said “our squads working together can make a big difference in people’s lives. ”
For more information, call Williams at 256-772-2547 or send email to zwilliams@madisoncity.k12.al.us. To contact Alexander, call 256-261-5313 or send email to aalexander@madisoncity.k12.al.us.
