Donation jars can be found across campus.
As a “born and raised Houstonian,” Alix Kirby ’18 feels that it is imperative to help those in need in her hometown, especially since her family and friends were directly affected by the Hurricane Harvey, which has recently affected large portions of the southern United States. She said, “Most of my family lives in Houston, and we were affected by the hurricane as well as my friends, and since I can’t be there in person to help, I thought it was important to do everything I could.”
For this reason, Kirby has created a community service initiative, which she presented at the all-school meeting last Tuesday, aimed at providing aid to those affected by the hurricane. She is working alongside Community Service Director Ms. Melissa Koomson to raise awareness for those in need through their American Red Cross sponsored fundraiser. Donation jars have been placed in the Dining Hall, Tuck Shop, Choate Store, and Fitness Center. Cash, coins, and checks are all accepted, and Choate Card scanners were available in the Dining Hall on Tuesday, September 26th and Thursday, September 29th. The jars will be up until Community Service Day on Friday, October 13th, at which point the donations will be collected.
Another primary goal of the fundraiser, in addition to assisting the people who were harmed, is to raise awareness in the Choate community of what happened and to encourage as many people to contribute as possible. Kirby also believes that it’s important for the Choate community as a whole to take part in these initiatives, whether it be this fundraiser or others. She said, “I think it’s important to show that you’re making a difference in the lives of so many other people, and especially that your contribution is actually being put to use, that something is being done with your donation.”
All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the American Red Cross, which will use the money to help victims of the hurricane rebuild their lives, by providing them with food, shelter, and basic necessities for recovery.
