Helping through the Hawk's Nest

North Buncombe Middle FCCLA students learn to recognize and meet the needs of others through their school store.

Article and Photos By: Benjamin Rickert, Communications Dept.

Everybody has needs! So, when a student “store” full of free, helpful, and essential items opened at North Buncombe Middle School, the students were thrilled. The student-managed store features two areas: A Snack Shack full of convenient and tasty foods, and a place for clothing and essentials named the Hawk’s Nest. To announce the store’s opening, students delivered a letter and a sampling of snacks to each classroom.

“It’s for everyone in the school to have an opportunity to come and get something when they need it,” explained student Cithlaly Bocanegra.

Anytime a student has a sudden need, such as a forgotten coat, lunch, or notebook, they can visit the store anonymously with assistance from a school counselor. The Nest provides shoes, socks, hats, gloves, backpacks, school supplies, and toiletry essentials, like toothbrushes, shampoo, and deodorant - all free-of-charge. There are even formal clothing items students can use for a concert or presentation. Students said their store makes for a more comfortable and effective learning experience for their classmates, who like anyone, can find themselves needing a hand from time to time.

“To know that this is helping a lot of students at our school is really nice,” said student Christina Harwood. “It’s better for the school.”

Ms. Sherry Peek, Family and Consumer Science teacher, at North Buncombe Middle School.

Christina and Cithlaly manage the store alongside classmates in the school’s Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) club. Family and Consumer Science teacher Ms. Sherry Peek advises the students and teaches them how to maintain an orderly and effective area. In addition to keeping items stocked, students process clothing donations by cleaning, folding, sorting, and hanging them by size. Many of the donations are collected and delivered by the Fellowship of Christian Families, a community group created by members of Locust Grove Baptist Church, Mt. Bethel Free Will Baptist, Flat Creek Baptist, and the Barnardsville Church of God.

Ms. Peek said the store teaches her students to better recognize when others are facing needs or experiencing anxiety.

“As a leader, you’ve got to show compassion to people around you, and you have to make sure that everybody feels included and part of the family,” said Ms. Peek. “This takes them out of the ‘me zone’ and into asking, ‘How can I help someone else?’”

Cithlaly talked about being grateful for her FCCLA club and the opportunity to serve her classmates.

“FCCLA has taught me to focus on what’s important, like helping others,” she said.

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For more information, or to inquire about donating to the store, email Ms. Sherry Peek.

Ms. Sherry Peek stands with her students in the Hawk's Nest / Snack Shack store.

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