Spotlight on Make A Difference Day

195 students made a difference
$8,009 raised for charities by students
2,493 items collected for donation
819 items created for donation
50+ charities supported by students

Students represented 50 booths at the event. Some student-supported causes included Irvine Dog Shelter, CHOC Music Therapy, Pencils of Promise, Hands Together, and Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Students who participated have their Helping Hands prints placed on the wall in the HDS library. Continued service-learning opportunities enhance empathy and heighten leadership skills in our students. Seventh grader Mackenzie D. said, “I helped at two booths and it made me want to help more outside of this event. It also made me happy to be helping others.” Make a Difference Day isn’t about helping once a year, but a way to show students that volunteering is ongoing, a way of life. Not only did students have a transformative experience but the experience also impacted the adults. “Putting together Make a Difference Day with Emily was truly an amazing experience as our generous community ignited for causes they are passionate about. The students and families were all having fun while giving back with such kindness and generosity!” said co-chair Caroline Gray. Sharing our time and talents to help others is the best resource we can give!

See below for the complete list of charities and donations supported.

 

Table $ Items Collected for Donation Items Collected /Donated Lighthouse Ministry   100 bungee cords, 21 blue jeans, 37 backpacks, 204 socks, 375 Toys 375 sack lunches, 98 Toiletry Kits Friendship Shelter   30 sack lunches Soles 4 Soles   204 shoes   Human Options   53 Halloween Costumes, 25 Accessories 100 Toiletries   5th Grade Boy Scouts, Camp Pendleton     150 paracord bracelets for troops Student Council $850.13     Boys and Girls Club Santa Ana $37 50 jerseys, 20 pairs of shorts and shin guards, 30 pairs of shoes, and sports equipment   Spark of Love From ABC7 & Socal Firefighters   100 New Toys   Cat Nat $111     African Wildlife Foundation $121     A Million Thanks $225   35 Letters to Vets written ASPCA $150     Miracle Babies $310     Love 4 Rescues $178 4 towels, 5 blankets, 1 dog bed, 2 dog crates   The Ric O'Barry Dolphin Project $215     World Wildlife Foundation $88     Save the Manatees $300     National Alopecia Foundation $46.50     High Hopes Injury Program, West End Animal Shelter $206     Ocean Conservancy $148     Water for South Sudan $121     WE (WE BAKE FOR HUNGER) $105.75     Newport Beach Animal Shelter $159     St Judes Childrens Hospital $151     OC Humane Society     20 blankets, 30 chew toys Thomas House $100 List of 7 people willing to donate furniture 20 cards made for kids Miracles for Kids $150     Forever Changed International $138 150 Baseball Hats   Fundacion Manos Amorosas (Bogata, Colombia) Loving Hands Foundation $995 500 soda tabs   Good 360 - Hurricane Diaster Relief, Bahamas $156     Well Beings, Hope For Paws $519     Laguna Beach Animal Shelter $75     CHOC     30 surprise bags created OC Books on the Run   400 childrens books an cookbooks   Pencils of Promise $150     OC Animal Care $154     CHOC Music Therapy $247     CASA $63     Pacific marine mammal center $305 50 rolls of paper towels, 7 bottles of Clorox, 4 bottles of Comet   Illumination Foundation $100     Malala Fund $79     Mountain Humane Society $225     Polo Pony Rescue $115     School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities $170   31 picture frames created Heros Elementary School Soccer Program $400 11 balls   David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Charity $115     Hands Together   30 sets of school supplies   OC Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center   31 dance costumes   Sierra Club $141     Mariners Church   25 pieces of sports equipment   Irvine Dog Shelter $90     NBPD   Awareness   Totals: $   8,009.38 2493 Items 819 Items