Imagine walking through the doors of Spartanburg’s Expo and Event center. You stand and watch as your community sets aside a day of appreciation for thousands of your communities homeless veterans.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are an estimated 49,933  homeless veterans in the United States.

Superintendent of Spartanburg District 1 Ronald W. Garner may have imagined that same scene.

Garner was touched by the cause and urged the students of District 1 to reach out and help their community through Upstate Stand Down. 

“Knowing I could give back to our veterans was all I needed to motivate me to participate,” senior Kacie Manning said.

Chapman’s JROTC, Interact Club and student council came together to contribute.

Volunteers either collected or gave food, shampoo, haircuts and more.

“We saw it as a great way for our students give back to our veterans, and it gave us a feeling of satisfaction and community service,” 1st Sgt. Rusty Smith said.

Although the sole purpose of the fundraiser was to help the community’s homeless veterans and their families, Manning had a different outlook on the situation,

“Although the veterans received help, I think it was all the volunteers received the best lesson, which is giving really is better than receiving,” said Manning.