Washington-Marion LEAD Council finishes $20K food pantry project

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Every year, the LEAD Council at Washington-Marion High School selects and works on a community project that benefits those in need, and this year, the council worked on a food pantry for the Southwest Louisiana Big Brothers and Big Sisters program.

The LEAD Council stands for Leadership, Enrichment and Development. Its purpose is to enrich and inspire youth and education by helping young adults become the leaders of tomorrow.

The money donated will be allocated to the MentorU program. The Council developed monthly dialogue content for the participants to discuss topics such as Black History Month and peer pressure. The students said the project not only helped the community, but them, as well.

“This food pantry project helped me learn and grow as a young adult; I’m so glad I got to be a part of it, and I know there’s many in our community that are hungry, so the Big Brother and Big Sisters program will now have this pantry to feed their participants and families,” said student Armund Wilson.

Students also put together backpacks filled with summer needs, like sunscreen and hygiene products. The council’s project was sponsored by Tellerian. LEAD council mentor Terri Bachand said she watches students grow every year and said it’s a wonderful thing to watch.

“These students see an issue facing someone or something in their community, and this year’s project is such a great one. We’re so proud of them, and the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program deserves this help - not only do they get to help the community, but they get to grow and mature into the wonderful young adults they are. That’s what our goal is, to help the community and grow these kids into pillars of the community,” said Banchand.

Other participants like Anayia Simon say the work was long and hard, but she said the personal growth she’s seen within herself has been worth it.

“I’ve matured and learned so much this past year, and I’m glad the Littles at Big Brother and Sisters won’t go hungry. I hope that this will give others in Southwest Louisiana inspiration. I can’t wait [to see] what next year’s project will be,” said Simon.

The ribbon-cutting for the food pantry was held Monday, along with a presentation and walkthrough. In attendance were friends, families, Tellerian representatives, school board members, Big Brother and Sisters members and Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter.

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