The Global Studies students from Charles Henderson High School were busy playing in the mud Thursday morning and for a good cause.

The students were making clay bowls for the Pike County Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls luncheon in April.

Ginger Boutwell, Global Studies teacher, said participation in the Empty Bowls project is an opportunity for the students to learn about the art of pottery making, to be creative and to be involved in a local service project.

“The students have the opportunity to make a bowl for themselves and a bowl to donate to the Empty Bowls luncheon,” Boutwell said. “This is a good learning experience for the students and a chance for them to do something for others.”

Boutwell said participating in the Empty Bowls project is also a way for the students to learn more about the Salvation Army and the role it plays in helping friends and neighbors in need.

Larry Percy, Troy University ceramics instructor, said his interest in the Empty Bowls project was sparked in 2010 when Troy University hosted the 25th Annual Alabama Clay Conference.

Dr. Marian Parker was instrumental in bringing the Alabama Clay Conference to Troy University and several of the bowls were donated to the local Empty Bowls project.

“Empty Bowls is a way my students can be involved in a local service project,” Percy said. “Some of the students are art education majors and working with high school students to make bowls for the project is an excellent learning experience.”

Not only do the university students provide guidance for the high school students in making their bowls, they each make 10 bowls, five to keep and five to donate to the Pike County Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls luncheon.

Kim May, Pike County Salvation Army director, expressed appreciation to Percy, Boutwell and the university and Global Studies students for participating in the Empty Bowls project.

“Without bowls, we couldn’t have our Empty Bowls fundraiser and we would not be able to help as many of our friends and neighbors who are in need,” May said. “Last year, we raised more than $6,000 with our Empty Bowls Luncheon so it’s growing every year. And the teachers and students who participate are a big part of that growth.”

May said the art students at Pike County High School have made bowls for the 2015 event and several other schools are scheduled to participate. The Pike County Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassadors will make bowls next week.

“The students’ bowls are unique and always well done,” May said. “We look forward to having them share their talents with us each year. We also have businesses and individuals who make bowls and we appreciate them so much.”

The 2015 Empty Bowls Luncheon will be from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. April 17 at the Bush Memorial Baptist Church Family Life Center. Tickets are $20 each and include a bowl of one’s choice and a soup and stew luncheon with bread, beverage and dessert. Everyone is encouraged to make plans now to attend.