A creative collaboration between Perry students and the local Food Pantry is making a meaningful difference for local families in need—one recycled t-shirt at a time.
Recently, a group of students from across multiple grade levels teamed up with volunteers at the Perry Food Pantry to complete a service project focused on sustainability and community support. The initiative began with the collection of gently used t-shirts, which were then repurposed into reusable shopping bags for food distribution.
Upper Elementary Student Council members, under the direction of Mrs. Caprecia Betchan, took the first step by carefully cutting the shirts into bag shapes, preparing them for the next phase. Students in Ms. Vineld’s Fashion Design I class then brought the project to life, using their sewing skills to stitch the materials into durable, functional bags.
Once completed, the handmade bags were delivered to the Perry Food Pantry, where they will be used to assist emergency food recipients—providing not only a practical resource, but also a reminder of the community’s care and support.
Perry Food Pantry Director Shem Durham praised the students’ efforts, saying “We are grateful for Perry schools and the impact they have in helping the Perry Food Pantry distribute food to the community. The t-shirt bags will be used to help give emergency food to those in need between our shopping days or for sudden urgent needs.” Durham went on to express gratitude for the students involved. “The Upper Elementary Student Council did an excellent job in cutting the t-shirts to make a bag by removing the sleeves and collar. The Fashion Design class did awesome in sewing the t-shirts to form the bottom of the bag. Thank you, students, for caring for your local community and sharing in helping others within your community. Keep up the good work!”
The project highlights the power of collaboration, creativity, and service—demonstrating that even small acts can make a big difference when a community comes together.