Students in the Make a Difference Club organized a food drive throughout the month of October. The drive aimed to address the growing issue of food insecurity in the local community and on Nov. 3, essential donations were delivered to the homeless population in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The drive was organized by Make a Difference president, senior Trevor Mays, who was concerned about the rising homelessness in the area. Mays was determined to do something that would directly benefit those who were struggling.
“I wanted to do something that would raise awareness but also make a difference,” Mays said. “I kept seeing in the news that the homeless population was growing, so I tried to think of ways we could really help them.”
The drive was entirely student-organized, with Mays and other club members taking on the responsibilities of coordinating, planning and promoting the event.
“We tried to make this a school-wide thing, where everyone could contribute in some way,” Mays said.
From the beginning, the club’s goal was clear: to collect as much food as possible to support the local community. Over the course of two weeks, club members worked to engage students and staff to donate essential and non-perishable items.
“We asked for non-perishable items like bread, peanut butter, jelly and snack bars,” Mays said. “We also asked for feminine hygiene products and made hand-made letters of encouragement.”
Throughout the month of October, students volunteered to assist with the collection, sorting and packaging of donations. Senior Emily Maxwell, who assisted in the sorting process, emphasized the impact teamwork had on the drive’s success.
“It was a meticulous process,” Maxwell said. “It required a lot of collaboration and resilience in order to ensure that each contribution reached those in need.”
The donations were sorted and packaged by around 15 volunteers.
“We put together around 200 fully assembled bags,” Mays said. “Also trays and platters of sandwiches, probably around 500.”
On Nov. 3, the collected food was hand-delivered by Mays and his parents.
“I saw so much generosity,” Mays said. “Half the bags had feminine hygiene products, so the men who received those tried to make sure they were given to the women. Everyone tried to make sure everyone else also received a bag. There was no fighting or arguing. It was heartening to see everyone looking out for one another.”
The delivery process was not only about handing out food but about creating a foundation of empathy for those experiencing hardship
“For the homeless community, the impact of the drive extends far beyond the immediate relief of a meal,” Maxwell said. “It also offers a reminder that they are seen, valued, and supported. It shows them how they are not alone in their struggles.”
For senior Arya Kalra, participating in the food drive left a deep impact on both her personal life and her understanding of the community’s needs.
“This experience also deepened my commitment to supporting the community,” Kalra said. “Seeing so many people come together for a common cause was inspiring.”
The drive’s success has inspired Mays to think about future projects aimed at continuing to support those in need.
“I hope to partner with a homeless relief project in the future,” Mays said. “Or do anything to be hands-on and really help the community.”
