Bonnie Lee Howell is a senior at Bulloch Academy and was heartbroken seeing empty shelves at the Statesboro Food Bank when she volunteered there recently. In response, she has organized a community-wide food drive to give back to the organization that gives to so many.
Bonnie Lee Howell, 17, is a Senior at Bulloch Academy and recipient of the Dr. Mel Hayden Leadership and Service Award, and this month, she has taken on a mission all her own. It’s one driven simply by love for her community.
Bonnie is organizing a ‘September Food Drive’ for the Statesboro Food Bank, completely independently and outside of any school club or organization.
“I believe no one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” Bonnie shared. “Sometimes it’s easy to overlook needs in our own community, but there are many families who could use a helping hand. My goal is to make a positive impact, encourage others to give back and show that when people come together, we can make a difference.”
“People have to be fed every day, not just holidays.” she added.
Bonnie Howell delivers a food bank collection box to Grice Connect, one of the drop-off locations around Statesboro. | Photo Provided
After volunteering at the Food Bank and seeing the critical need firsthand, Bonnie said the experience stayed with her. “Too many people are struggling and shelves are running low,” she said. “I feel the need. I feel the call to action… together we can make a real difference for our neighbors.”
Her mother, Jamie Costlow, said Bonnie was heartbroken by what she saw and decided she had to do something. “She really wants to make this a successful drive,” Jamie said.
So Bonnie started from scratch. She designed her own materials, secured donation boxes, and began reaching out to local businesses. She already has seven boxes in place, but she is quick to say “I hope more will join the effort!”
Collection boxes are currently at:
Aerotech (in Bloomingdale),
ABA Pathways (24 Joe Kennedy Blvd. in Statesboro),
Huey Magoo’s (near Publix),
The Statesboro Family YMCA (409 Clairborne Ave.),
Ravens Roost Boutique (7 S. Main St.),
180 Fitness (next to Ollie’s off Fair Road), and
Grice Connect (34 E. Main St.).
Bonnie Howell with a food drive collection box at the Statesboro Family YMCA, another drop-off locations in Statesboro. Photo Provided
“My Dad, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who works at Aerotech, has been especially supportive. His workplace has helped spread the word by emailing employees about my mission to help others. Already, the box is overflowing, and we are hopeful for more,” Bonnie shared, adding that her family has been picking up extra groceries to contribute to the collection.
“This is my own project of love,” Bonnie added. “I want to put out as many boxes as I can. The more that are out there, the higher chance of collecting food and helping raise awareness.”
Bonnie is collecting until September 30, 2026, with everything donated to the Statesboro Food Bank at the end of the month. She will periodically check the boxes to pick up donations, then sort and prepare everything for the final drop-off.
Bonnie Howell drops off a food bank collection box at Huey Magoo’s, one of the six drop-off locations around Statesboro. Photo Provided
River Green of Huey Magoo’s agreed to support Bonnie’s effort, saying, “When I saw what Bonnie was trying to do, I just wanted to support her. I think it’s so important to encourage young people when they step up and try to do something good, especially for their community. Bonnie took the initiative to help the Statesboro Food Bank, and I’m just happy that Huey Magoo’s can be a small part of supporting her and what she’s trying to accomplish.”
Bonnie’s message is simple: “A little kindness can go a long way, and together we can help make sure no one in our community goes hungry.”
Put a box out. Fill a bag. Add a few cans to your grocery cart. Every donation matters. Together, we can help fill the need.
A list of most needed items is listed below. For more information, you can contact Bonnie’s mom, Jamie Costlow, at [email protected] Response within 24 hours or sooner.
