NATCHEZ — Even on a day reserved for giving thanks, it is unlikely that many people woke up this Thanksgiving morning feeling gratitude for owning a toothbrush and a bar of soap.

But when local student Kevin Campbell saw the faces of the people in line at the Stewpot light up when he dropped off Thanksgiving gift bags filled with toiletries and everyday amenities — their excitement made an impression on him.

The Key Club at Adams County Christian School spearheaded a school-wide project to collect toothbrushes, toothpaste, bars of soap, white socks and hairbrushes or combs to hand out to those eating their holiday meal at the Stewpot.

“They may not have this stuff, and when they get something like that, they might think, ‘Wow! I don’t have this,’” Campbell, an ACCS senior and president of the Key Club said.

Approximately 350 people will receive the gift bags from ACCS, which elementary school students decorated using a Thanksgiving theme.

The hand-stenciled turkeys and colorful pictures will also add a personalized touch to the gifts, Campbell said.

“You could just see the glow on (the Stewpot customers’) faces (to learn) they get a present along with their food,” he said.

The project began six weeks ago, ACCS librarian and Key Club coordinator Sam Eidt said.

Every student was asked to bring in one of five items for five weeks, and the last week the Key Club members filled the bags, which were donated by Britton & Koontz Bank.

Eidt said Stewpot Director Louis Gunning spoke the Key Club in 2007 and explained the nonprofit’s impact on the community and what types of people are served there.

Eidt said she learned from Gunning that a meal from the Stewpot often serves as the only meal of the day for some.

“People don’t realize they don’t have anything,” Eidt said.

She said simple toiletries are something people who have them rarely think twice about, but those who do not will truly appreciate the gifts.

Eidt said the project delivers a big return, and the items the students brought in could usually be found at their houses.

“It turns out to be a big thing to give, and it doesn’t cost anything — just some elbow grease,” Eidt said.

The elbows of the 20 Key Club members started bagging the items last week.

Campbell said the Thanksgiving project was the Key Club’s annual project to serve the community. The Key Club also sponsors projects during the year to serve the school and the families of students.

Campbell, who is also an honor student, said he joined Key Club to help people.

“I’m a Christian and God has forgiven me for my sins, so (helping people) is my way of furthering God’s love to other people,” Campbell said.

While the Thanksgiving project will provide basic necessities to people who might not be able to afford them, Campbell hopes it will also spread a little joy.

“Whenever anybody gets a present it brightens their day up,” Campbell said. “Plus they’re getting some turkey.”

Campbell is the son of Wanda and Duck Campbell.