Members of Camden Academy Charter High School’s Peer Leadership Group delivered a $646 donation on behalf of the entire student body to Volunteers of America in Collingswood on Tuesday, June 17. The donation is a product of fundraising efforts conducted by the group as a means to give back and to raise awareness about homelessness in the community.
“The Peer Leadership Group at Camden Academy is newly founded this school year and is intended to build leadership skills in our students and to create a positive school community,” said peer leadership founder and Camden Academy guidance counselor Lauren Bristol. “This was our first fundraiser and I am so proud of our students. We had a goal of raising $500, which we surpassed.”
Over the span of two weeks, peer leadership members collected money during designated lunch periods from both students and staff. For a $2 donation, staff and students were given a candy bar and a purple ribbon, the designated color for homelessness awareness. Peer leadership members then hand delivered the money to Volunteers of America to aide in the operation of the Anna M. Sample Complex in Camden. The Anna M. Sample Complex was selected by the student members as the intended recipient of their donation after researching a number of organizations in the Camden area.
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The Anna M. Sample Complex runs through the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and provides transitional housing to up to 65 homeless. In addition, the house also provides employment and family management support programs for women.
“I am particularly proud of our students, all of the energy behind the fundraiser came completely from them,” said Bristol. “They organized everything, encouraged students and staff to donate, and specifically choose the Anna M. Sample Complex because they wanted to make an impact within their own community.”
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The money was accepted by both Volunteers of America Delaware Valley CEO/President Daniel L. Lombardo and COO Housing and Supportive Services Gina Adams.
“We are so inspired and grateful to the kids from Camden Academy Charter High School” said Adams, “Where others talk about helping their community, they are actually doing it and giving hope to those in need.”
