The month of November brings about many forms of thankfulness and giving. Roswell showed their thanks this year by hosting a canned food drive from November 7 to November 18, led by the A.V.I.D. program to help individuals in need. Along with that, the Roswell PAWS club paired with Student Council to host a blanket drive for shelter animals that started November 4 and ended on November 18. Each program has taken their time to set up stands, make posters, and spread the word. 

“The food will go to North Fulton Community Charities, which has a large foodbank that is available to the community. We hope to help fill the need to keep tummies full during the holiday season,” said A.V.I.D. teacher, Mrs. Pierce, who has provided information about the food drive. 

 Faculty, staff, and students donated a variety of the following: all canned veggies, juice boxes, canned beans, hamburger helper meals, flavored rice, fruit, tomato products, ramen, flavored pasta, soups, broths, jellies, small milk boxes, mac and cheese cups, and dry beans. People stopped by Mrs. Pierce’s room to drop off items in a designated box.  

This drive had no correlation with the PAWS and Student Council drive, as the 9th grade A.V.I.D. elective class was on their community service unit, and this was the task they have selected to do. 

 Mrs. Pierce explains how they wanted a project that would “help students at RHS understand the importance of giving back to their community,” and is a project that is easy to participate in. In the past, A.V.I.D. students have collected goods for North Fulton Community Charities, too. The students made posters and were encouraged to promote the drive on social media. The drive was promoted on TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.  

Roswell PAWS leader and student Ella Bitterman explained what PAWS and Student Council were working to do. 

“The blankets will be donated to local rescues such as Our Pals Place, Mutt Madness, shelters, and animal hospitals. We decided to start this drive for two main reasons. We want to help animals in need and blankets/towels are always requested. Another reason is to help provide opportunities for students to help animals in school.” 

The two clubs have worked together to set up the drive. In the mornings, PAW members and Student Council members collected donations of blankets and towels in the gym lobby. The only requirement was that they have little to no holes.  

This drive was also a class competition. At the end all blankets/towels were counted, and whichever grade brought in the most towels would win. In the end, 9th grade collected the most, earning them bragging rights. Posters and announcements showed up all around the school to promote the drive. 

PAWS has done drives in the past, most recently holding a pet food drive in October. In the future, PAWS, A.V.I.D., and Student Council intend to host drives that will benefit additional people and animals in need.