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 Bennett’s Mill Middle School Students Collect  Pennies for the Pantry  Fayetteville, GA — Students at Bennett’s Mill Middle School are proving that even small change can  make a big difference. Under the direction of Mrs. Dedra Carby, 8th Grade English Teacher and Girls  Preparing for Success Club Sponsor, members of the Girls Preparing for Success Club and the  Bennett’s Mill Middle School Cheer Team are spearheading a school-wide “Pennies for the Pantry”  campaign to support Compassion Ministries Food Pantry in Fayetteville, Georgia.  This effort has been made possible through the strong support and encouragement of Assistant  Principal Rica Smith and Dr. Brianna Snowden, who both recognized the importance of giving students  a hands-on opportunity to serve their community.  The campaign, which began at the start of October and runs through October 24th, encourages  students to collect loose change and canned goods to help provide food for families in need. Each  grade level is participating in a friendly competition to see who can raise the most funds and donations.  Mrs. Carby said the students’ enthusiasm has been inspiring. “They’ve really embraced the challenge,”  she shared. “Not only are they collecting coins, but they’re learning what it means to give back to their  community.”  The Compassion Ministries Food Pantry, a nonprofit organization serving hundreds of families each  month, relies heavily on community support to meet growing food demands. The students’ efforts will  help keep the pantry’s shelves stocked and continue its mission of feeding those in need throughout  Fayette County.  Beyond the spirit of competition, the campaign teaches students about empathy, leadership, and  community service. “It’s wonderful to see the excitement on their faces when they realize how their  small actions can make a huge impact,” said Carby. “They’re learning that generosity doesn’t require  wealth—just heart.”  Diana Galloway, Executive Director of Compassion Ministries, expressed her gratitude for the school’s  efforts. “These students are showing what true compassion looks like. Their kindness and generosity  will touch many lives in our community,” she said.  Galloway added that she hopes this will become a district-wide initiative: “We would love to see every  school in the Fayette County School District take on a ‘Pennies for the Pantry’ drive as an ongoing  effort to help support families in need. Together, our schools can create a powerful ripple of compassion that reaches every corner of our community.”  The initiative has already been a great success, with students showing excitement and pride in knowing  they are making a real difference. The winning class will earn bragging rights—and the satisfaction of  knowing their teamwork helped feed local families.  If you would like to support Compassion Ministries Food Pantry, please contact Executive Director  Diana Galloway at 678-357-7025.  Photo Caption: Members of the Girls Preparing for Success Club and the Bennett’s Mill Middle School  Cheer Team lead the “Pennies for the Pantry” campaign under the direction of Mrs. Dedra Carby, with  support from Assistant Principal Rica Smith and Dr. Brianna Snowden.  Byline: Submitted by Compassion Ministries Food Pantry, Fayetteville, GA