Students hope for successful grain drive

by Denise Massie
Pharos-Tribune staff writer

October 10, 2008 03:38 pm

— For the fifth year in a row, area farmers have the opportunity to donate a portion their crops for a good cause.
The Lewis Cass High School Future Farmers of America held its annual field day Thursday morning to kick off the 2008 Crops for Kings grain drive.
The grain drive is held every year to benefit the Lewis Cass Scholarship Fund, said Deanna Crispen, executive director of the Cass County Community Foundation.
“It’s a good way for the community to get involved and help the scholarship fund,” she said. “It’s also a good way to get students involved to realize where the money comes from.”
Crispen said the idea originated from Cass County farmer Ted Blank, who was aware that farmers used to hold grain drives before the war. She said he thought it would be a good way to raise money.
The grain drive is organized and administered each year by the foundation, according to Crispen.
John Bevan, superintendent of Southeastern Community Schools, said the grain drive was especially beneficial for the students.
“A lot of schools are getting students involved in service projects, and this is one of several we have,” he said. “It’s a good way to teach them about service to the community.”
Justin Burke, FFA president, said the task of gathering donations has become easier over the years. Fellow FFA member Eric Bridge noted that members used to pull a wagon around to collect donations from farmers. Now, he said, it’s as simple as a phone call.
“Farmers get a hold of us and tell us how much they want to donate,” he said.
Lewis Cass High School Principal Bill Isaacs said area farmers could make tax-deductible donations any time during the fall to participating grain elevators. Farmers can drop off donations to participating grain elevators, which include Walton Elevator, ADM Logansport and The Andersons at both Clymers and Delphi. The elevators have agreed to separate the donated grain and give the money to the scholarship fund, he said.
The grain drive has expanded and made a few changes over the years.
When it first started in 2004, the drive was known as Corn for Kings, Isaacs said. Eventually, soybeans were collected, so the name evolved into Crops for Kings.
Crispen said farmers can donate a bushel amount or a dollar amount. The grain drive has raised about $3,000 each year it has been held. Since 2005, she said, the Lewis Cass Scholarship Fund has awarded 10 scholarships for a total of $10,000.
The three scholarships for this school year will be awarded in May, according to Isaacs.
Crispen said two scholarships were awarded to students attending a traditional college and one to a student attending trade or vocational school.
Overall, those involved have been pleased with the response and donations received over the years.
“We’re thrilled with the support from the community,” Bevan said.
Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com

Want to know more?
For more information on the Crops for Kings program, call the Cass County Community Foundation office at (574) 722-2200.

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