The Gingy Project, a community service venture founded to honor the memory of Raheem Morris, presented a check Dec. 20 for $700.32 to Reggie Loper, chairperson of Effingham Exchange Club Empty Stocking Fund of Effingham County.

Morris, an Effingham County High School student and member of the ECHS Rebel Regiment, tragically lost his life in a car accident Dec. 13, 2014, while on his way to audition for district honor band. Morris played bassoon for the school’s wind ensemble and was a member of the Rebel Regiment drumline, playing bass drum for the marching band.

Morris touched many lives not only within the ECHS band family, but outside of the program, as well. Family members, teachers, friends and others remembered Morris intelligent, talented, kind and compassionate with a wonderful sense of humor.

The Gingy Project is the brainchild of Isabel Johnson, a friend and bandmate of Morris’. As the one-year anniversary of Morris’ passing approached, Johnson, in an effort to turn something tragic into something meaningful, decided to honor his memory and help the community.

That’s when The Gingy Project was born.

The project aimed to provide Christmas for local families in need.

Johnson recruited friends, family and bandmates to join her in launching the project. They spent several weeks selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts and collecting donations after school and on weekends. The response to the project has been tremendous, and they collected more than they imagined, thanks to the generosity and support of many.

In his memory, Johnson, along with many of Morris’ other friends and family, plan to continue to lead more community service projects.

The Gingy project offered its thanks to everyone who purchased doughnuts and donated to this project.