Kids won’t go hungry over Thanksgiving in Lawton

Central Middle School Leadership students and faculty are working together to help families from their school this Thanksgiving by providing entire holiday meals.

“The district has always done food baskets for families,” Larissa Krusinsky, a CMS Leadership sponsor, said. “What we’re doing is taking our leadership kids and giving them an opportunity to extend it. … Our teachers are either bringing us a turkey themselves or donating money for us to go purchase a turkey, and then the kids are providing the non-perishable food items as side dishes.”

Providing a large meal to their own families in need is one way the school has provided more opportunities for the kids to serve. Krusinsky said CMS Leadership also has partnered with community nonprofit organizations and other schools to help, and are hoping to continue expanding their projects. The students are “enjoying it, they’re seeing the benefits of it, and it’s building more camaraderie around our building.”

The goal for the school is to provide 50 turkeys along with side dishes, though the sponsors and students hope they can surpass that goal and help more families. Krusinsky said CMS also will accept community donations.

“Our community in general has experienced a lot of transitioning lately, but I want them to know that it’s just not the city of Lawton,” she said. “It’s right here at home, it’s Central. And to get them to realize we do a lot for our community, but let’s bring it home as well. Let’s help those that we rub elbows with on a day-to-day basis … They don’t have to, they don’t have to go out to different cities, different towns, different countries to do ministry. They can do it right here in their building.”

CMS Leadership student Destiny Godwins said she’s enjoyed the opportunities from being part of the leadership program, and she hopes students and community members know they can be counted on to help.

“I think it’s important to give back just because we need to show our gratitude and how thankful we are because people give to us, but then I don’t think it would be very fair to not give back or not like, show our appreciation,” she said. “It also just helps the community and people who are in need, especially here at your own school.”