A quick stroll through the hallways at Cordova High and you hear chatter of plans for the weekend— just like any other school.  But if you stick around for very long near the holiday season, chances are you’ll hear students talking about giving.

"We want to help others stay warm through the winter time," says senior Beta Club member Maya Carter. 

Carter is one of the many CHS students involved in "Wolves for Warmth," a blanket drive students have organized to support the Memphis Union Mission homeless shelters.  They’ll be collecting new or gently used blankets until December 12.

In addition, the school’s National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America clubs are collecting canned food items to donate to the Mid-South Food Bank and Mission Possible, a non-profit organization that provides food to the hungry.

Joshua Thomas, president of the school’s FBLA says he’s glad he and his classmates have the chance to help those who are less fortunate.

"Last year we had someone send us a letter saying she was able to stock her pantry because of what we did," Thomas says. 

Taylor Warner, a senior helping with a number of service projects at Cordova High feels through giving back students are grasping valuable life lessons that will never be measured on a test.

"It’s a really rewarding experience.  It helps you gain sympathy for others," she says.

The students at Cordova High will be collecting canned goods until December 15.  While their primary goal is to get their classmates and school staff members in the giving spirit, they also want to invite the Cordova community to drop off food items and blankets at the school leading up to the holidays.

"Every gift is a blessing.  My parents taught me to give and it feels good to help people in life," says Carter.