Beta Club members Molly See, from left, Megan Ponder, Ari Alexander, Serena Bukovac and Brandon Pitts pack a box for “Project Pantry.” CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Families facing a difficult time around Christmas can count on a good meal because of work by Beta Club members at Bob Jones High School.

Beta Club members are sponsoring their first-ever “Project Pantry” as a giveaway of holiday food boxes. They started Nov. 30 and will continue to collect food and cash through Dec. 11. Their goal is 2,000 cans minimum to help 50 families minimum.

Bob Jones Beta Club has 60-plus members, who must maintain a 3.0 GPA and exhibit exemplary character. Beta Club promotes the ideals of service and leadership.

“It’s our hope to help families that could use the extra food during the holidays,” social science teacher and club sponsor Debbie Scott said.

“We’ve talked about the holiday break potentially being a stressful time for families while their children are at home,” Scott said. “We want to help provide struggling families with food to feed their families while everyone is home on break.”

Realizing hunger exists in Madison, the club wanted to focus on the two-week Christmas break and help families in Madison City Schools. “As a school, we had been talking about what we’re thankful for and how others around us may be struggling,” Scott said.

Breakfast foods, meats, pastas and boxed meals are their major needs. “We want to provide all different meals during the day and a variety of food over the two weeks. We’re also collecting money to purchase additional food,” Scott said.

Residents can donate food or cash at Bob Jones’ front office through Dec. 11. Student Brandon Pitts said, “I find great joy knowing that I’ll be able to help a family in need over the holiday break.”

Beta students will give out free boxes of food to families and individuals on Dec. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bob Jones gym’s entrance.

If anyone can’t go to Bob Jones, Beta members also will deliver food free on Dec. 19. To request delivery or reserve a box, call Beta Club sponsor Debbie Scott at 256-772-2547 or email to dlscott@madisoncity.k12.al.us.