At Groves High School, one of the most popular school-sponsored events is Charity Week—where students vote on one charity for the student body to support through donations during various activities and incentives. Fun is had by all during this special week of the year, but it is important to remember its true purpose—to support local charities. However, this year, Groves Student Congress (GSC) introduced an upgrade to the event: Charity Season.
Charity Season is a new event created this year where rather than supporting one chosen charity for around two weeks, there are four, and the event spans from January-April. Each charity was voted on by the student body, all of which are local groups.
CARE House of Oakland County (January): Supports and advocates for children and families affected by abuse and neglect.
Wish Upon a Teen (February): Provides meaningful experiences for teenagers with serious, life-limiting illnesses.
Experience Camps (March): National nonprofit that helps grieving children and teens find connection and healing through camps and year-round experiences.
The Wave Project (April): Provides essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
The charity being supported in January is the CARE House of Oakland County, focused primarily on helping victims of abuse. For the whole month, there will be a combination of new and known ways to support. A school-wide favorite is food carts, where snacks can be purchased during class. This year, the food carts will consist of various donuts, candy, energy drinks, chips and soda; prices varying depending on purchase. The food carts will be active on Monday, January 12, and Thursday, January 15. All purchases made from the food carts will go directly to the CARE House.
Another activity that was started last year is the thrift store donation drive. Think about the clothes at the back of your closet that haven’t been touched in years, rather than just throwing them out, consider donating them! From now until January 20, GSC will be collecting clothing donations in the main office. This includes shirts, pants, jackets, etc. Once all of the donations are sorted through, the “thrift store” will be opened January 23-24 and students can shop through the various donations. This not only eliminates clothing waste, but also frees up closet space. All proceeds from the thrift store will also go directly to the CARE House. (Note: All items must be washed and in wearable condition; No undergarments will be accepted)
In addition to familiar favorites, a new activity this month is cookie grams, a sweet way to encourage your friends before finals. Cookie grams include one cookie and one note, on which you can write whatever you want. They will be delivered to students’ advisory classrooms the day before finals (January 20). Cookie grams are five dollars each, and can be purchased at lunch or through this Google Forms link. All cookie gram proceeds will go directly to the CARE House.
Whether you purchase a treat in the middle of class, pick up a new accessory or put a smile on a friend’s face, this charity season, remember that while the activities are exciting, there is a deeper meaning behind your purchases: to support local organizations and make an influence on your community. Consider leaving a positive impact by donating this Charity Season!
