NewsUpper SchoolStudent LifePre-K to 8Service
MS service project benefits Davies Shelter
Feb 2, 2006 10:06 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
For the past six years, various nonprofit organizations in Northwest Georgia have benefited from the generosity of Darlington middle-schoolers. Each month, students focus on a school-wide service project to benefit such groups as the American Heart Association, Rome Urban Ministries and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
In January, students collected paper supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, etc.) for the William S. Davies Homeless Shelter. In lieu of paper products, cash donations were also accepted. The shelter was chosen because of its close proximity to Darlington and the impact it has on the Rome area, according to Middle School Assistant Principal Sally MacLeod.
“They are one of our close neighbors, and it is nice to be able to drive by the shelter and see the fruits of our efforts,” she said. “The more that people are aware of those less fortunate, the more likely they are to make a difference.”
Middle-schoolers were asked to donate paper products to alleviate the cost of these items for the shelter and because they are easy for students to find.
According to Randy Smith, science teacher, the Middle School tries to look locally for a cause that will benefit the community. “The students like to hear stories of how their help has directly impacted someone,” he said. “It really encourages them to continue giving to the cause.”
With nearly 100-percent participation and $200 in cash donations at the end of January, Middle School students were treated to a STUCCO Day, on which they could wear Hawaiian shorts. “Our goal is to get them motivated to give and appreciate how much they have,” said MacLeod. “We hope rewards are just a byproduct of that.”
Susan Seagraves, founder of the Davies Shelter, sees a profound impact on the shelter’s residents. “The guests are always fascinated that someone will give just because they want to,” she said. “It’s rewarding for them to see that children and students would invest in someone deserving of a second chance.”
Eighth-grader Cameron Smith understands the need to care about the people in the surrounding community. “It’s hard to find people who want to help, and it feels good to be one those people,” he said. “We are learning that there are people who are better and worse off than ourselves.”
The students at the Middle School have learned that collaborative effort is required to reach out and influence people’s lives.
“Giving from what we have helps other people,” said eighth-grader Hannah Montgomery. “If everybody comes together, then we can really change something.”
Classmate Emily Jackson agreed, “There are some people who really need reaching out to. You might be the only person who can make their day better.”
In January, students collected paper supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, etc.) for the William S. Davies Homeless Shelter. In lieu of paper products, cash donations were also accepted. The shelter was chosen because of its close proximity to Darlington and the impact it has on the Rome area, according to Middle School Assistant Principal Sally MacLeod.
“They are one of our close neighbors, and it is nice to be able to drive by the shelter and see the fruits of our efforts,” she said. “The more that people are aware of those less fortunate, the more likely they are to make a difference.”
Middle-schoolers were asked to donate paper products to alleviate the cost of these items for the shelter and because they are easy for students to find.
According to Randy Smith, science teacher, the Middle School tries to look locally for a cause that will benefit the community. “The students like to hear stories of how their help has directly impacted someone,” he said. “It really encourages them to continue giving to the cause.”
With nearly 100-percent participation and $200 in cash donations at the end of January, Middle School students were treated to a STUCCO Day, on which they could wear Hawaiian shorts. “Our goal is to get them motivated to give and appreciate how much they have,” said MacLeod. “We hope rewards are just a byproduct of that.”
Susan Seagraves, founder of the Davies Shelter, sees a profound impact on the shelter’s residents. “The guests are always fascinated that someone will give just because they want to,” she said. “It’s rewarding for them to see that children and students would invest in someone deserving of a second chance.”
Eighth-grader Cameron Smith understands the need to care about the people in the surrounding community. “It’s hard to find people who want to help, and it feels good to be one those people,” he said. “We are learning that there are people who are better and worse off than ourselves.”
The students at the Middle School have learned that collaborative effort is required to reach out and influence people’s lives.
“Giving from what we have helps other people,” said eighth-grader Hannah Montgomery. “If everybody comes together, then we can really change something.”
Classmate Emily Jackson agreed, “There are some people who really need reaching out to. You might be the only person who can make their day better.”
