The Mount Pleasant High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is currently holding a Food Drive benefitting Open Arms Children’s Home. Members are helping stock the pantry of the new home with non-perishable items like canned goods and boxed essentials.

Open Arms is the brainchild of MPHS graduate, Taylor Smith. Located in Naples, Open Arms is a 10,000 square foot family-style residence that can accommodate up to 32 children, ages 5–17, including younger children in a sibling group. Their mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, family-style home based on Christian values for children in foster care. “Approximately 10 years ago, during my time with Texas DFPS-CPS, I witnessed firsthand the overwhelming need for a stable, loving home for children in foster care,” said Smith. “Though I wasn’t in a position to fill that gap then, God has since opened doors and hearts, guiding me to this very moment — the creation of Open Arms Children’s Home and Just Kids LLC.”

The MPHS FBLA Food Drive will run until October 3. To donate, drop off items in the Mount Pleasant High School front office. MPHS FBLA Advisors include John Whitten, Shanta Lockett, Tracy Porter, and Raquel Yanez.

Pictured from left are Mount Pleasant High School FBLA Chapter President Sage Jordan, Texas FBLA State President Isaac Hernandez, and FBLA Area 6 President Camauri Adamsa