RACINE — Students and staff at the Southern Local School District came together in a remarkable show of compassion and generosity to support families in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, through a mission trip that Ms. Beth Lanning, SHS Career Coach, participated in during the week of October 5, 2025.
The trip was organized through the Somerset Church of Christ in Ohio to assist residents served by the Hemley Road Church of Christ, Bayou La Batre, Alabama—a community still rebuilding from the lasting effects of Hurricane Katrina, two decades later.
In Racine, students from both Southern Elementary and High School poured their hearts into crafting uplifting cards filled with kind words and artwork for families in need. Staff members donated food, clothing, and personal care items to support the mission.
“I’m so proud of our students for using their creativity and compassion to support the Alabama mission trip,” said Southern High School Principal Daniel Otto. “The heartfelt cards they made brightened the day of those receiving them and showed the power of kindness in action. It’s wonderful to see our school community come together to make a difference in the lives of others.”
“Their kindness and teamwork show how even small acts of love can make a big difference,” added Southern Elementary Principal Tricia McNickle. “What a wonderful way to share joy and care for others!”
The district extended special thanks to The Kathryn McCoy Resource Project in Nelsonville, Ohio, for its outstanding generosity. The mother–daughter team, Challie and Claire Abraham, donated 73 pairs of boots and an array of personal care items, worth thousands of dollars, to the cause.
Claire, who began the project at the age of 11 to honor Kathryn (Katie) McCoy, a beloved band teacher at Chauncy Dover and Nelsonville-York middle schools, shared:
“When Katie passed, I wanted to do something meaningful in her honor,” said Claire Abraham. “Giving back to communities in Athens County and beyond is a great way to keep her legacy alive.”
The foundation also does hygiene closets for many schools. (If your school is interested in getting personal care items, reach out to Project RISE).
Amy Robinson, Director of Project RISE, helped connect The Kathryn McCoy Resource Project with the Alabama mission effort.
“Claire and her mom are incredibly dedicated,” said Robinson. “They’re always ready to help anyone in need, and their generosity made a real impact on the families in Bayou La Batre. The mission trip was an amazing example of love in action.”
Members of the Blackburn Hill Church (Athens) and friends also played a key role with packing and transporting donations.
In honor of her late mother, Vickie Lanning, Ms. Lanning collected more than 100 items for children, including toys, clothing, and school supplies.
“I was completely blown away by the support from my family and friends,” said Ms. Lanning. “I asked for games that didn’t need batteries because families in Bayou La Batre might not have easy access to replacements. Seeing the puzzles, coloring books, and toys come in — my heart was full. I’m so thankful for everyone’s generosity.”
Support also poured in from across the region:
Holzer Healthcare System in Athens donated dozens of shirts.
Rocky Boots in Nelsonville gave 60 pairs of socks.
Seabolt & Co. Modern Apothecary & Spa in Pomeroy contributed soap and nearly 90 pairs of men’s underwear.
“Brian and I have always believed strongly in community,” said Jamie Seabolt, Owner of Seabolt & Co. Modern Apothecary & Spa. “We also believe that community is much bigger than one spot or one village, so when we had the opportunity to help those in Alabama, we of course said YES!”
For nearly 20 years, the Somerset Church of Christ has partnered with the Hemley Road Church of Christ to serve families still struggling from the long-term effects of Hurricane Katrina. What began in 2005 as an emergency cleanup mission has evolved into a steady, compassionate ministry providing food, clothing, and home repairs.
“Katrina destroyed the fishing beds that sustained many families,” said Elder David Neal of Somerset Church of Christ (Ohio). “Some people simply couldn’t afford to leave. They’re doing the best they can to survive — and we want to make sure they don’t have to do it alone.”
The mission’s dedicated leadership team in Bayou La Batre — William Spaulding, Pat Creel, and Preacher Alan Jopson — continue to serve tirelessly, spending countless hours helping others rebuild lives and restore hope.
“We worked here through Hurricane Katrina. Through the storm efforts, we decided to plant a church here in Bayou La Batre. We work in the community, we help people with their houses, help them with their yards and just help them feel better about their lives,” said Spaulding.
“People are hungry! Their food stamps run out, and they have nothing to eat,” noted Creel. “We try to provide what we can.”
“I visited several church member’s homes– seven or eight of them had no water or electricity,” said Jopson. “Here in the bayou– in the summer it is regularly in the mid 90’s and humidity at 90%. No electricity and no water.”
Jopson explained that on top of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil spill delivered another severe blow to Bayou La Batre, crippling the shrimp and oyster industries.
This year’s volunteers included: Dave Neal; Phil, Rachel, Elliot (16), Emma (14), and Marcus (4 months) Dersham; Leslie Jenkins; Jessalyn Galloway (14); Andy Hill; Steve Hill; Mike Hamilton; and Beth Lanning. Joining them from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, were Nate Parker and his son Elijah (6), who worked alongside the group on numerous projects.
The week’s work included repairing and painting the church stairwell, completing bathroom renovations, fixing a cottage ramp, drywalling and painting rooms, and repairing plumbing at Children’s Place — all simple yet vital tasks that restore dignity and safety to families.
Young Elijah, a bright six-year-old who reads at a seventh-grade level, eagerly joined the efforts — helped unload donations, packed food, helped his dad carry bags, and made cards.
“I made a pirate ship and a space car. I think people will feel happy when we give them a card. Some of the silly cards will make them laugh hard,” Elijah explained. “Sometimes when people are weak, I try to help them.”
“It’s very fulfilling to be honest,” said Elliot.” We’re putting in walls and things like that and we’re helping give out food to the community.”
“We helped clean up the church and the classrooms,” said Jessalyn. “We also packed food, and it was pretty nice.”
“I’ve had a lot of fun helping the community,” said Emma. “It’s a lot of work but you have some down time where you can relax.”
“I like going to new places and meeting new people,” said Rachel. “As a parent, there are few moments more humbling and heartwarming than seeing your children step out into the world, not for themselves, but for others. This mission trip has a deep sense of purpose, reminding me that our job as parents isn’t just to raise successful kids — it’s to raise compassionate ones.”
On top of the repairs, the community came together for a Bible study at the senior center and a large clothing and food drive — offering shrimp, chicken, cucumbers, cabbage, spaghetti, and more. In all, more than 12,000 pounds of food were shared with families struggling to get by.
“It completely broke my heart to see older residents in Bayou La Batre pushing their walkers through the car line just to get food,” Ms. Lanning recalled. “Watching them struggle, yet still smiling and thanking us, was incredibly humbling. It made me realize how hard people are fighting just to keep their loved ones fed.”
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the mission’s success, including students and staff at Southern Local School District, the Athens-Meigs Educational Service Center, Project RISE, Amy Robinson, Rocky Boots, Adrian Hartman, The Kathryn McCoy Resource Project, Claire and Challie Abraham, Hopewell Health System in Athens, Tyler Chadwell, Seabolt & Co. Modern Apothecary & Spa in Pomeroy, Jamie Seabolt, Brian Denny, Jim Lanning, Tricia McNickle, Blackburn Hill Church of Christ in Athens, Ohio, Somerset Church of Christ in Somerset, Ohio, East Colbert Church of Christ in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Debra and David Brothers, Mike Greenlee, Sally Gohring, Mary Waibel, the Stevenson family, Ben and Dianne Tackett, and many others. Thanks to everyone who helped (in case someone overlooked).
Volunteers are looking for a camper for individuals to live in and a small box trailer to haul supplies to Bayou La Batre. If you’d like to donate one of these items, contact the Somerset Church of Christ.
To see all the volunteers in action, click here.
Next year’s mission trip is scheduled for the week of October 4, 2026. Anyone interested in joining this life-changing effort is invited to contact Dave Neal at 740-605-0296 for more information.
