Cardinal Spellman High School students and faculty have contributed towards the relief efforts in Haiti by initiating three projects that resulted in the collection of more than $ 2,500 in funding and supplies.
Realizing they wanted to help the victims of the devastating Haiti disaster, members of the Service Society, a school club founded in 2007 and moderated by Judith Furnari, decided to take it upon themselves to make a difference.
In coordination with a former alumnus who has ties to a Haiti relief organization, the students began a school-wide collection. By asking their peers to donate items such as shirts, socks, bottled water, and toiletries, they were able to fill nine boxes with supplies.
In conjunction with the school’s marketing class, the Service Society also launched a pep rally t-shirt sale. Desmond Rivera and Akua Duoa led the initiative, going around during their free time, lunch, and after school to sell the shirts. Approximately 85 shirts were sold and $ 240 collected. Money raised was split between a Spellman scholarship fund and Haiti relief efforts.
“We thought it was important because it would help people who really need it,” said Duoa, a sophomore. “I was happy we helped raise more money so they can purchase supplies.”
The third project, launched by the Student Government, was a dress down day collection. Student senators went to each classroom and collected a minimum donation of $3 per student in exchange for the ability to participate in a dress down day held on Monday, February 22. Hundreds of students participated.
Through their efforts, Spellmanites raised more than $ 2,500.
According to Furnari, a history teacher and Spellman alumni, it was amazing to see the extraordinary level of participation not only from the students, but also from the staff, faculty and families of students.
“It’s always pleasant when we see something like this come to fruition,” Furnari said.
In the past, the Service Society has contributed towards the relief of Hurricane Ike through the donation of school supplies. The club is currently conducting a video game collection for Get Well Games, an organization that brings the video games to children with cancer in hospitals to help with pain management.
Reach reporter Amanda Marinaccio at (718) 742-3394 or amarinaccio@cnglocal.com
