[Photo: The Bucks Class of 1996 at the event Saturday.]

The Tia Hart Community Recovery Program and the Hoke County High School Class of 1996 gave out more than 100 food boxes Saturday while celebrating the Bucks’ 25-year class reunion.

The two groups joined forces to hold the community event July 31 in honor of the class reunion. Shirley Hart, Founder of Tia Hart Community Recovery Program, said she was grateful to the Class of 1996 and looks forward to working with them in the future on more events.

“Recovery works! Coming together with the Class of 1996 was a pleasure and a huge step in the right direction as a community!” she said.  

The Hoke County Health Department and Dr. Karen Smith’s Office offered COVID-19 vaccinations, David Lowery from WellCare offered information about Medicaid, and the Raeford Police Department provided support for the event.

Besides giving out over 100 food boxes, the event also assisted many families with clothes and school supplies. Class of 1996 graduates Adam Clark, Christopher Crawford, JaMaal Cook and Yahonsa Harris grilled up lunch for the day. The event also had help from Tia Hart volunteers and the Hoke County High School Lady Bucks Basketball Team, which is coached by Class of 1996 graduate LaToya Ray.

The Class of 1996 continued the celebration later Saturday evening with a banquet at the Embassy Suites in Fayetteville.

“The Class of 1996 hopes to see all their classmates at Homecoming in October and asks each classmate to join the class Facebook Page: Hoke County High School Class of 1996 to stay in the know of upcoming gatherings and events,” organizers shared.