Helping the Homeless

Helping the Homeless

By Anna S.

Homeless. We know that word. We’ve seen people asking, pleading for the bare essentials. BUT, who has actually taken the time to help them? The students at Glenridge Elementary have been working to try and at least help a few homeless shelters. During the month of October, students have been encouraged to bring in small donations and socks for the homeless.

No Place to Call Home

In the U.S. alone, 600,000 people live without a home. That is why fifth graders at Glenridge Elementary have set up a fundraiser to benefit the homeless. Now that October is over, the fundraiser is over too. During the month of October they have collected  $1,000 and 200 pairs of socks! More than anyone thought they would.

Decisions, Decisions

After the big fundraiser, the fifth grade teachers had to decide where the money and socks would go. After a good, long search, the fifth grade teachers came to a decision. half of the socks and the money would go to the Covenent house and the other half of the socks and money would go to Epworth youth centers.

What are the Shelters?

As a “thank you”, one presenter from each shelter came to talk to the fifth graders about how they impacted the community. So, do you want to learn more about the shelters? If so, read on. Both the Epworth and Covenent shelters are for kids. At Epworth, kids from 11 to 20 are eligible to get free meals and classes. “Over 30% of the kids in the Normandy School District are homeless.”  Said presenter Michael Sue. Ms. Michael Sue went on to say that Epworth and Covenent are kind of connected. They also learned that Epworth is celebrating its 152nd year. And, how there are 12 different locations. Covenant is a shelter for people 16 to 22 years old, with over 4,500 people. Mr. Miles from the Covenant Center helps out because he has a passion for helping young people.

“I Feel Proud”

The Glenridge fifth graders are most definitely role models to the kindergarten through 4th grade students. “Being a fifth grader means that lots of younger kids look up to us. I hope doing this fundraiser inspired them.”  Said 5th grader Anna S. Helping the homeless made most fifth graders feel good. “ I feel proud because we did something kind to help others I think we really impacted the community.”  said another fifth grader Julia M. Amanda M. says “ I'm glad we helped keep the homeless warm and impacted the community a lot.” One message fifth grade teachers were trying to send to the students was that even as a fifth grader they can make a difference in the world. Fifth grader Lucia d.P. agrees with the teachers and said “ Everyone that has made a difference in our world is older than us, but I think that we've proved to a lot of younger kids that we can also make a difference.  I think we had an important mission-- It was more than just collecting  socks, it was being a role model to others.”

Continue to Help!

Just because Epworth and Covenent have 100 pairs of socks and $500, we can't just think that they have everything that they need. Even small donations will make a big difference to the homeless community. Talk to people who work at a local homeless shelter to find out what they need, or to sign up to volunteer. To learn more about Epworth, click HERE. To learn more about Covenent, click HERE. Now that the students  have finished this fundraiser, what will they do ne