WINDSOR – Students in the Cadet program at Bertie High School wanted to do something to give back to the community. With this in mind, they collected canned goods to donate to Roanoke-Chowan S.A.F.E. (Services for Abused Families with Emergencies) on November 21.

The Cadet program, one of several career technical education courses offered by Bertie County Public Schools, runs through a partnership with Roanoke-Chowan Community College and teaches students about criminal justice and careers available within that field.

The instructor, Travis Askew, praised his students’ initiative to do this community service project.

“It’s something to help out for the holidays,” Askew said. “Sometimes it may be a tough time for different people. So we just want to show our charity, show our concern, and help as many people as we can.”

The Roanoke-Chowan S.A.F.E. program works to help victims of domestic violence. Among the resources they provide is a shelter for abuse victims. The food donated by the Cadets will go to the shelter, said Brenda White, one of S.A.F.E.’s court advocates for Bertie County. She explained the donation will help a lot of families.

Askew said all of his 16 students were very excited to provide the aid. There was no requirement to participate, but Askew noted everyone donated at least five items each.

“They brought plenty of canned goods,” he explained. “Some students brought as many as 20 cans.”

Both White and S.A.F.E. Community Outreach Coordinator Blannie Hunt expressed their gratitude to the Cadet program for their donation.

“It is so nice to have young people involved with giving at an early age,” said Hunt. “There are still so many wonderful good kids out there.”

“I was always taught it is better to give than receive,” Askew added, a point that he passed on to his students.

According to Askew, the Cadets are learning how to become leaders. He was happy to see them setting an example for others and showing the spirit of giving back. The Cadets are planning to continue their community service projects in December by collecting toys for Bertie’s Department of Social Services to be distributed to families in need.