During the season of giving thanks, the Willow Bend Elementary Student Council decided to head out to the Upland Mission to volunteer their time to help the non-profit prepare the mission for Thanksgiving. The students cleaned everything, reorganized and stocked shelves, sorted through armfuls of clothes, cleaned the garden, and unloaded some canned food.  

Upland Mission is a no-cost clothing closet and food panty committed to meeting the basic needs of families in crisis in West Lubbock.  This ministry is made possible through the partnership of local churches and other financial supporters, together with a team of volunteers.   

The Willow Bend student council has been volunteering at the mission for several years now and it serves as their annual fall volunteer field trip. The staff at Upland Mission stated that she looks forward to Willow Bend students coming every year.  

The week leading up to the trip the council hosts a dress-up week where students pay $1 to dress in theme. They raised $1,000 all of which was donated to Upland Missions. “We love to go there for our students to see firsthand how much of an impact the money they help raise makes and where it goes, how much it will help, and who it will help,” said Elisa Gonzales, the Willow Bend student council advisor. “The students always leave wanting to go back, already planning the next volunteer trip back.” 

For most of the students, this is their first time volunteering their time and labor. “We are showing them the Frenship way of serving others,” said Gonzales. “They show up a little nervous about what we are about to do but always leave with a changed heart! We want to teach them that giving back doesn't have to cost anything, it can also just be taking the time to help. “ 

The student council members are learning to make a difference even though they are just in the 5th grade. Even as young leaders they are making a difference.  

At Upland Heights Elementary, the student council collected cash and canned food donations to be donated to the Upland Mission. At the end of the drive, Upland Heights had 444 cans and $444 to donate to the mission.  

Both of the elementary schools exemplify what it means to live by the Frenship Way. To learn more about the Upland Mission click HERE.

To read more about the Frenship Way click HERE.