Cafeteria manager shows true spirit of Christmas

Corbin Middle School Cafeteria Manager Bobbie Phillips sees the students that come through the line every day as more than just mouths to be fed. She views them all as her children.

It’s why she goes to great lengths to prepare special “feasts” for Thanksgiving and Christmas, complete with tablecloths and candles. After one such fancy affair, she received a standing ovation.

It’s also the reason she takes great pride in decorating the lunchroom to the hilt during the holidays.
And it’s the driving force behind a recently conceived Christmas giveaway that she’s spearheaded to brighten the lives of children she says are in need of a little cheer.

Through her own efforts, Phillips was able to procure over 50 bicycles, Ipods and other gifts, given away last week at the school during a special drawing before the district closed for its annual Christmas break.
Her colleagues say it is just the latest in a string of selfless, charitable efforts on her part that have made her something of a local hero at the school.

“She’s just really great. She loves these kids,” said Corbin Middle School Principal Ramona Jaynes. “I don’t think there is anything she wouldn’t do for them. Everyone here loves her. I don’t know what we’d do without her.”

Phillips said she knows there are kids at the school who are in need, and her only goal is to provide for them. Since she has no children at home any longer to care for, the students who eat in her lunchroom are now the beneficiaries.

“I just love them all,” she said. “The smile on their faces is why I do it, I guess. They are great kids.”
Dave Cox, former principal at the school and now the school district’s Director of Curriculum, said Phillips is the epitome of the Christmas holiday.

“Her first thought is always how she can help someone else,” he said. “She’s really special. The kids love her and I think there is a reason for that.”

He recounts the tale of Phillips winning a jacket, only to give it the next day to a janitor who was in need of a warmer jacket.

The recent giveaway at the school was spawned from a much smaller effort. It’s grown and Phillips said it might just get bigger in the future, perhaps up to 80 bikes in the future.

“I’d get something for them all if I could,” Phillips said.

Seventh grader James Landrum, who won one of the bikes last Wednesday, said he is thankful for Phillips and her efforts.

“She cooks great food and she’s really nice,” he said. “I really needed a bike. This is a good bike, a lot better than what I had. I couldn’t believe it when they called my name. I’ve never won anything before.”