Autaugaville High School leaders donate over 50 lbs to Autaugaville Community Food Pantry 

Malia Riggs  

Elmore Autauga News  

The Future Business Leaders of America, or FBLA, at Autaugaville School donated over 50lbs of food to the Autaugaville Community Food Pantry yesterday, Monday Sept. 9th.  

“We donated over 50lbs of canned and non-perishable food. I’m really proud of my kiddos for getting the word out and wanting to give back to the community. This group is super special, and they have a heart for learning what the community needs and how to build up their communities as they grow up and progress through life,” social sciences and business ed teacher at Autaugaville School, Tatum Northington said.  

The donated non-perishable items followed the school’s canned food drive, where the theme was to show school spirit for your favorite college. Alabama won with Aubun coming in second, Northington confirmed.  

“My favorite part of sponsoring this group is our community service initiatives. Giving back to the community was engrained in me my entire life. Sharing this with my students has been impactful as we are able to do the same things for the Autaugaville community. This community deserves all the love and watching these kids pour their hearts into helping their community is just a full circle moment for me,” Northington said.  

The food drive and donation were sponsored by local businesses and community leaders such as, Long Lewis Ford, James “Jim” Manderson, Carol Carter, Attorney at Law, Gillespie Tire and Automotive, Prattville YMCA, Herrod’s Chevron and Melanie Chambliss. 

“They’re realizing the importance of being kind to one another, because none of us know what someone else is dealing with. This is why I love what FBLA stands for. Enshrining love for community is one of the main pillars of FBLA, and these students are living out these values daily,” Northington said.  

Autaugaville School’s next event with be a fundraiser called Socktober, where students, staff and the community alike will collect new socks to be donated to the Autaugaville Community Closet, Northington confirmed.  

“Socktober is an initiative that encourages all to donate new pairs of socks to communities in need. There are many who live without simple comforts, and the Socktober campaign is just a small way for us to show love to one another,” Northington said.  

Northington stated more information will come soon at a later date.