Take a peek in to any elementary school around Middle Georgia on the 100th day of school, and you will find parties, math exercises, crafts, or games geared toward celebrating this milestone day. However, on February 3rd at Tattnall Square Academy, the lower school will be filled with children who are gathering hundreds of canned goods to donate to The Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia.

Second grade student Jackson Fiveash brought a book home one day that featured different ways to celebrate the 100th day of school. After reading the story aloud to his father Chris, Jackson’s face lit up with an idea. “He thought it would be great to have everyone in his class bring items to donate to a local shelter with the ultimate goal of gathering 100 donations,” recalled Christy Fiveash, Jackson’s mother. Once his teacher, Mrs. Patti Garretson, jumped on board, Jackson and his parents decided to bring his idea to Lower School Director, Susannah Allen in hopes of making the collection a school wide effort.

At only seven years old, Jackson is learning how one person’s idea can snowball into a community endeavor with help from friends and family.  Though he has never organized a project of this scope before, Jackson has always had a special place in his heart for service. “He has always been aware of feelings and needs of others. The power of giving and caring for people, as God has called us to do, is constantly reinforced at TSA, and I think it has only inspired him further,” stated Fiveash.

Jackson’s mother believes this experience will help grow her son’s desire to serve others. “I’m proud of him for coming up with the idea, but I’m also thankful that he attends a school that allows him the opportunity to transform his ideas into a reality. He continues to teach me so much, but the best lesson he has taught me through all of this is how to turn celebration into service,” stated Fiveash.

Tattnall families are invited to participate in the canned food drive by sending goods to the Lower School Office or to lower school homeroom teachers. The drive will conclude this Friday, February 3.