Along with the joy that winter brings in the form of hot chocolate and Christmas carols, the holiday season also brings a greater sense of community and charity.
According to SGA Adviser Ms. Michelle Spreitzer, the recent canned food drive “was a big success and gathered over 2,000 cans.” Said Spreitzer, “We couldn’t walk into our room on collection day because there were just so many cans.”
Another recent fundraiser was A Day Without, which, according to Community Service Club Adviser and WHSHH Board Member Mr. Warren Hynes, asked students to go a day without spending money on things, such as an iTunes download or a Starbucks latte and donate this spare change, instead. According to WHSHH Co-Founder and Social Studies Teacher Mr. Thom Hornish, this fundraiser raised approximately $1,050.
Hornish was also involved in the Cup of Joe for our G.I. Joe fundraiser, which collected funds from WHS students and faculty and customers from Ahrre’s Roastery. Said Hornish: “The owner of Ahrre’s said that he would provide 2 lbs. of coffee for every 10 purchased if we raised $2,000…. That was done. In fact, his employees donated $150 directly to the fund.” According to Hornish, approximately $2,175 was raised.
Another fundraiser held recently was hosted by Project ‘79 to raise money for typhoon victims in the Philippines. According to Project ‘79 Director Mr. Peter Horn, the students placed donation cans around the building. This fundraiser raised $484, which will be donated to Doctors Without Borders for emergency work in the Philippines.
Special Education Teacher Ms. Kara Shields also held two fundraisers. She raised money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer and participated in an event called Track Friday. According to Shields, these fundraisers combined raised $1,063. “Cookies for Kids’ Cancer donates 100 percent of the proceeds towards pediatric cancer research,” she said.
The Key Club was also hard at work this holiday season. Recently, they held the “Stop the Clock” fundraiser. Said senior Co-President Sophia Palia: “Stop the Clock is basically a stall day. Students bring in change, and their teachers have to count it before class can start.” This fundraiser raised $350, she added.
In addition, the Community Service Club held a coat drive, which gathered over 240 coats and also promoted a blood drive, according to Hynes. Said Community Service Club President Allison Sprung: “We try as a club to do whatever we can…. We try [to] make a difference.”