Students from Skyview High School’s AVID class in Vancouver have successfully completed a community service project by donating over 300 items to Cloth and Foster, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster children and their caregivers. This initiative was part of a class project aimed at fostering community involvement and personal growth among students.
Community Engagement and Personal Growth
The AVID program, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is designed to prepare students for college by encouraging them to engage in community service projects. The students at Skyview High School chose Cloth and Foster as their beneficiary after hearing a compelling story from a classmate who had experienced foster care. This personal connection inspired the class to support the nonprofit’s mission of providing essential items like clothing and bedding to foster children.
Mae Marsee, one of the students, advocated for Cloth and Foster, and the class agreed on the choice. Their decision was further solidified after learning about the challenges faced by foster children, such as arriving at new homes with minimal belongings. The project not only aimed to provide tangible support but also to raise awareness about the issues faced by foster children.
Teamwork and Skill Development
The students divided responsibilities, with some managing a booth during lunch hours to promote the project, while others created promotional materials and managed logistics. The effort required effective communication and collaboration, skills that are invaluable for their future academic and professional endeavors. The project also helped students overcome social fears and gain confidence in advocating for a cause they believed in.
Gracie Fanning, another AVID student, expressed how the project highlighted the real struggles faced by foster children, motivating her to contribute. Jose Mendoza Cruz, who has friends in foster care, shared how the project touched him personally and reinforced the importance of community support.
Impact and Reflections
Last week, the students delivered the collected items to Cloth and Foster’s warehouse, marking the culmination of their efforts. Aric Clapp, co-founder of the nonprofit, expressed gratitude for the students’ contributions, emphasizing the importance of instilling a sense of community responsibility in young people.
The project not only provided much-needed resources to foster children but also left a lasting impact on the students involved. As Mason Fuhrer, another participant, noted, the experience taught them the value of teamwork and perseverance, ultimately leading to a successful outcome.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
