Last month, the Family Career and Community Leaders of America club at Cousins Middle School organized a blanket drive. The club donated over 50 blankets to Pastor Lett of the Garden of Gethsemane Homeless Shelter.

Jayla Ores, club officer, presented the idea. Since so many organizations in the community were holding food drives, the club decided to try something different. "The project was voted on and approved by the members," club organizer Kathy Ward said.

FCCLA club at Cousins placed posters in the hallways at school and later presented a skit of their morning show advertising for the entire student body and staff to bring in blankets.

"Since this was the first year for the organization as well as the First Annual Cousins Middle School blanket Drive, we didn't know what to expect, but soon students and teachers began bringing in blankets," Ward continued.

"It was wonderful seeing the young people realize that they are the future core of Newton County's success. They learned about parliamentary procedures as well as organizing, honoring other's opinions, speaking skills, while realizing that they are an important part of the community," Ward said.

The club plans on holding another blanket drive next year and is involved in other community projects. FCCLA is a national organization to prepare our young people for leadership roles.