Local students put Halloween to good use

A group of Blytheville Middle School students are hoping to make an impact on their community as they head out to trick-or-treat tonight by asking for donations to give to the Blytheville/Gosnell Food Pantry instead of candy.

The seven middle schoolers, Zac White, Braidon Smith, Maddie Hixson, Kenzie Ray, Lizzie Langston, Jackson Howard and Garrett Cloud, wanted to go out on Halloween night, but felt a little to old to be collecting bags full of candy, according to LaRay Cloud, who said the kids wanted to do something "that matters" with their night.

"It's important for our kids to be able to give back in ways that they understand," Cloud said. "They love dressing up and going door-to-door on Halloween; however, they also understand that they can do this and help those in need at the same time."

The students will be out during the city's trick-or-treat hours from 4-8 p.m. Items most needed for the Food Pantry include canned meats, canned or boxed meals, soup and stew, peanut butter and macaroni and cheese, but all donations will be accepted.

For more information, contact LaRay Cloud at 870-623-2104.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com