Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
Students from NDSS’ School to Community program were travelling the school’s halls last week with carts of cookies and hot chocolate, raising $600 for L&A Interval House in the process.
The delivery of snacks was the final step in a fundraising project that had been organized by the students. Earlier in the week they had taken orders from fellow students and staff, with proceeds from the sale of the hot chocolate and cookies going to Interval House. The products were donated by Bob Annett from the Napanee Tim Hortons.
“(The students) baked all the cookies, they have been pouring all the hot chocolate, counting out the sugars, creams and stir sticks,” said Kristen Martin, teacher of NDSS’ School to Community program. “They’ve done everything.”
Students within the program have intellectual, behavioural or physical exceptionalities. The program is geared towards developing skills for life following their transition from high school.
“We decided we wanted to do a class giving project as part of our life skills class,” said Martin. “In the School to Community program we try to build skills for life in the community. We decided that since it’s the holiday season, we wanted to give back to our community.”
A brainstorming session was held, with the students deciding on a hot chocolate and cookie sale to raise funds. After that they had to decide where they wanted the money to go.
“They spent some time researching different charities in the community and writing about what giving meant to them,” said Martin. “The students were tasked with choosing a charity in the community to give to. They all did presentations on different charities in the community and ultimately they voted.”
When it came time to deliver, the students were all smiles as they went door-to-door to all the classrooms. As much fun as they had baking the cookies, they enjoyed it that much more knowing they were helping a worthy cause.
“I like helping other people,” said Zack Shelley, a student in the program.
“I like helping out the Interval House and making sure they have lots of food and shelter and have a nice Christmas eve,” added Jenny McMullen, another student in the program. “(My favourite part was) doing the sprinkles with Mrs. Martin.”