In 2011, Long Middle School initiated the Clemson/Carolina Food Drive, starting with a modest collection of 196 cans on a single table. The following year witnessed the creation of a small football stadium in the school's atrium, constructed from plywood, concrete blocks, and team-colored tablecloths. With each successive year, the scale of the initiative expanded, necessitating a larger food drive stadium complete with its own live scoreboard. Anticipation for this annual project grew among both students and the community.
The most recent school year marked the largest food drive to date. Long Middle School set an ambitious goal of acquiring 18,000 items, a target that was significantly surpassed, with over 42,000 food items gathered for the community. Through word of mouth and friendly rivalries on social media, donations poured in not only from students but also from various community members and businesses. Those who contributed were entered into a drawing for tickets to either a Carolina or Clemson Football game.
The donations collected played a vital role in supporting 53 families in the community, providing them with a ham or turkey and a box filled with Thanksgiving meal sides. Additionally, contributions were made to the McCarn Food Bank, ABBA House, and the Society Hill Presbyterian Church Manna from Heaven program.
The entire community deserves applause for their collective efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of others.