Jacksboro FFA and FCCLA members pose with a “Meals and Mum” recipient.
In Texas, Homecoming isn’t just a celebration – it is a tradition with deep roots. From moon-sized mums to mile-long parades, Homecoming is a strong part of Texan culture. For the Jacksboro FFA Chapter, Homecoming is also the perfect time to serve its community.
To wrap up a week full of school spirit and celebration, Jacksboro FFA passed out a meal and a mum to 120 people around the Jacksboro community on Sept. 25.
To help make the meals, Jacksboro FFA collaborated with its in-school Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter. Along with preparing the meals, Jacksboro FCCLA also helped distribute the meals and mums.
“I enjoyed working with the FCCLA officers,” says Jacksboro FFA Vice President Garrison Johnson. “I am grateful that our school’s clubs and associations collaborate for the welfare of our community and those around us, especially given our small school, community and town.”
The meal consisted of pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, a roll and pudding.
“The residents of Jacksboro were delighted,” says Jacksboro FFA advisor Sarabeth Hesteande. “They always enjoy seeing the students deliver their meals, but the surprise of receiving a mum made it even more special.”
Ninety-five Jacksboro floral design students made the mums in class.
Jacksboro floral design students display the mums they made in class.
“I helped by preparing and assembling mums, as well as organizing them for delivery,” says Jacksboro FFA Secretary Maggie Sewell. “Even though I wasn’t in charge of the entire event, I made sure to do my part and [help] it run smoothly.”
Jacksboro FFA and FCCLA members delivered 40 of the mums and meals to a local nursing home. They personally delivered the remaining 80 by going door-to-door throughout the community.
“Some [recipients] don’t get to see their families often,” Sewell says. “Being able to bring them a little bit of happiness meant a lot to me.”
Jacksboro FFA hopes that this “Mums and a Meal” event will become a yearly Homecoming tradition. Most importantly, it hopes to continue serving the community.
“This activity changed my perspective on viewing our community as a whole, rather than just focusing on myself and the people I see every day,” Johnson says. “I’m thrilled and thankful that our FCCLA and FFA chapter have the special opportunity to give back to our community.”
