FCCLA is Mountain Strong

Recently, there were wildfires started in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and lots of people were affected by this tragedy. Talawanda has decided to adopt the families from two of the schools in that area, Gatlinburg-Pittman High School and Sevier County High School. Gatlinburg-Pittman High School only has 350 students in grades 9-12 and over 50 of their families lost everything. Not even including Sevier County High School, this is a lot.

Hundreds of structure have been burned all over Gatlinburg and over 10,000 residents had to flee during the fire. Before the fires, there was also a large scale drought, which didn’t help when it contributed to the spread of the fire.

The adoption of the schools and families event was sponsored by Talawanda’s FCCLA with sophomore Braelynn Wagers being the main organizer to gather items to send to them. Hundred of items have been collected in Talawanda and even around the Oxford community to be given to the recovering families of Gatlinburg. Items such as everyday things like toiletries and bedding can be donated.  In addition, things like Christmas presents are requested to help these families rebuild their lives.

Today, Dec. 16, 2016 there will be a “Purple Out” at all 3 of our Boys Basketball games. Wear purple to show your support for those families who’ve lost so much! T shirts will also be sold at these games for $10 and all money and items will go directly to the students’ families.

Feature Photo Credit:  Talawanda/Butler Tech FCCLA facebook page