At Harper we believe it is important for students to understand their role in the larger community around us. Our Community Service Committee is dedicated to making community service an aspect of our children’s educational experience. We want to partner with our youth and the community, emphasizing the value of giving back. We do this by cultivating relationships and providing service opportunities with local organizations. One such organization is Connections.
Connections for the Homeless is a non-profit organization that, for the past 30 years, has helped individuals and families that are homeless or threatened with homelessness achieve stable housing. To date, Connections has helped more than 1,000 individuals. Connections believes that communities that house and empower all their members are stronger, more sustainable, and better places for everyone to live. For more information please visit: http://www.cfthinc.org
Below are the drives and event that we will do – please look in the Harper Happenings for information and volunteer opportunities closer to the dates!
Halloween Candy Drive: Leftover Halloween candy is used to motivate and reward Connections clients’ participation in counseling and support services.
Thanksgiving Food Drive: Each grade brings in components of Thanksgiving dinner, which are packaged for newly-housed families.
*NEW Children’s Pajamas Drive: During the holiday gift-giving season, new pajamas & handwritten notes will be collected for Connections’ children.
Hat, Mitten & Scarf Drive: New and gently-used ADULT winter gear will be collected and donated.
*NEW Welcome Kit Making Event: Household-sized toiletries (such as shampoo deodorant & razors) will be collected for clients to use during a three-month stay at the men’s shelter. Students will be given the opportunity to put the kits together and write a note of encouragement at the event.
Ongoing Need for Clothing (particularly men’s) & Bag Donations: men seem to donate their clothing less frequently than women, so Connections is always in need of men’s items – khakis, button downs, ties, suits, shoes, suitcases, even socks and underwear! Plus they are always looking for rolling suitcases and backpacks. Send and email to mcnally.megan@gmail.com for details on drop off location.
