Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Annie Camp Junior High School (ACJH) EAST students are beginning preparations for the annual EAST Feast in December.
ACJH EAST Feast committee member and ninth grader Vignesh Nair said EAST Feast began half a decade ago, by one of their very own EAST students to help bring their community together.
“It’s a commonly known fact that many people do not have a place to go during the Christmas season, so he decided to capitalize on this. Due to complications from COVID, we weren’t able to hold EAST Feast until 2021. Since then, our outreach has only grown, and we plan to make sure that it keeps growing,” Nair said.
As EAST Feast is run entirely on donations, Nair said EAST students have already begun to collect donations from places such as Popeyes, which is donating mashed potatoes, and Lost Pizza, which plans to donate pizza and spaghetti.
All leftovers will be donated to The Salvation Army.
“So far, there have been minimal changes, such as the change of some games and activities,” Nair said; however, he noted that EAST students are currently awaiting a response from JET (Jonesboro Economical Transportation) about running buses again this year. In years past, JET has provided free transportation to the event.
According to Nair, EAST Feast is important because it helps connect the community.
“It is an event that, no matter anyone’s social status, allows everyone to talk with each other, no matter their views,” he said. “EAST Feast is very important to me in general, because it shows just how much of an impact EAST can have. It represents everything that students strive for in our classroom, and it is always a highlight of everyone’s year, participants and volunteers alike.”
ACJH ninth grader Suleman Alomari noted the importance of coming together.
“In today’s world, everyone is disconnected on issues, and I believe that it’s important, even if it’s for only one night, to come together and celebrate our differences and our similarities,” Alomari said.
The meal will be Dec. 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the ACJH cafeteria. ACJH is located at 1814 W. Nettleton Ave.
“People shouldn’t shy away from EAST Feast for any reason; everyone is invited, and we can’t wait to see you there,” Nair said.
To donate to the EAST Feast, email anniecamp-jhs@eastschools.org.
