You will probably see the posters around town, boasting the logo of the Florence High School mascot. The Florence Huskies, of course.
I happen to have an affection for dogs of all types. But what I really have deep feelings for is a story about young (and older) people making a difference.
The flier reads: Help Fill The FHS (Florence High School) Pantry!
I asked what the FHS pantry was.
The lady with the flier, Stephanie Elkins (FHS class of '88) told me there was a number of FHS students in need, including some that had no running water in their homes.
My jaw literally dropped, as did a customer's, who was standing close by.
I asked if this tragic situation had been going on for along time.
Stephanie told me that she graduated in 1988 from FHS and the problem had been going on at least as long as she had been going to school in the late 80's.
She told us that the high school made sure all students who needed showers were able to do so, at the high school during certain times.
Stephanie also mentioned the drive to fill the FHS pantry is an important need to help fill the gap for students who need food items such as: Canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, cereal, individual serving sizes of soups, pastas, fruits and such. In other words, food that doesn't need refrigeration or complicated cooking.
Another need is hygiene bags: Gallon-size zip bags, wash cloths, soap, travel-size lotion, shampoos and conditioners, socks, combs, brushes, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant, etc.
What was so remarkable about this story, after I got over the surprise of need and the wonderful support of the high school, was at least one of the people behind this food and hygiene items drive.
Stephanie said the pantry program wasn't going as strongly as the need dictated and Stephanie's daughter became impassioned by making the drive a huge success.
What's remarkable is that Stephanie's daughter is a FHS freshman. Her name is Chloe Beauchamp and she is FHS class of 2021.
Now Chloe isn't the only freshman in her class behind this worthy cause. But it was her mother, who was out volunteering her time that I happened to run into.
Why is Chloe so moved to help her fellow classmates? An emphatic heart, according to her mother.
Stephanie told me a few other inspiring things about her daughter, but I think I should let someone else illuminate those details. After all, this is a story that the local media should pick up.
The flier also states the Rocky Mountain Sassenachs will be assisting the FHS freshman class. I looked up that group and found them on Twitter. It's an Outlander fan club.
Stephanie also told me the Florence Police Department found out about the pantry drive and got behind it. Yes, they did! Earlier today the FPD posted about the event on its Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Florence-Police-Department-Colorado-472430029444132/
In case you don't go to the FPD page, suffice it to say, folks can also drop off their donations at the Florence Police Department and city hall and both entities will make sure the students in need get those items.
But the main drop-off for the fill-the-pantry drive is at the Florence Chamber of Commerce at 116 N. Pikes Peak Ave. on Saturday, October 21 from 10 to 2. But donations are also accepted at the chamber office during regular business hours before Oct. 21.
I know Fremont County will come through. And I hope someone sends me a picture of the huge amount of donations, so I can post the picture here.
OK, we're going to do all we can to make sure all the students in need at FHS are taken care of.
And that gets the paws-up approval of our smiling Husky. You didn't know we had a smiling Husky around here. Tsk, tsk. You all should know I have a cute dog picture for EVERY occasion!
