Eighth-Graders Raise Money for School Supply Drive
BY JOHN KRAHNERT: STAFF WRITER
Southern Pines Pilot
September 20, 2008
Two West Pine eighth-graders have given back to Moore County students in a big way.
As part of their summer Beta Club project, Angela Vecchione and Julianne Gant raised $761 by selling lemonade, iced tea, and water to spectators at the U.S. Kids golf championship in August. The money, donated as part of Community In Schools’ “Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive,” provided countless school supplies to Southern Pines Primary School.
“I guess we both thought there was a great need for this in our community,” Vecchione said.
The pair worked in conjunction with Pinehurst Resort to obtain permission to sell the beverages at the tournament. They obtained a permit from the village of Pinehurst to be there, and resort staff helped them set up.
“It seemed like a reasonable thing to do,” Gant said.
Southern Pines Primary Principal Mary Scott Harrison was thrilled with the efforts of the girls and Community in Schools.
“I just think it’s absolutely wonderful,” Harrison said. “We want all children to feel good when they come to school. We benefit tremendously from [the program].”
Vecchione and Gant said that their booth went over better than they could ever imagine. All sorts of people stopped by for a drink.
“We got a lot of donations,” Vecchione said. “It wasn’t anyone in particular, just whoever felt generous.”
A whole carload of supplies was delivered to Southern Pines Primary on Aug. 21. The items were given to students who needed supplies to start the year.
Each year, Communities In Schools partners with First Bank, the UPS Store, Wal-Mart, Staples, and Star 102.5 radio to collect school supplies for students as part of the “Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive.” Last year, Communities In Schools collected more than $22,000 in school supplies.
The supplies were delivered to schools just in time for students to have them for the first day of school.
Communities In Schools is the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization. CIS focuses on mentoring, career education, health initiatives, and community outreach.
Its mission is to “champion the connection of needed community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school and be better prepared for life.”
Andi Korte, executive director of the local CIS organization, praised Vecchione and Gant’s efforts.
“Communities In Schools is proud of the community spirit exhibited by both of these students and applauds their efforts,” Korte said.
While they are pleased with the success they’ve had, Vecchione and Gant are already looking toward the future. They’re hoping to build on what they’ve started for next year and continue to help out Moore County students.
“Next year, we want to expand the project to everyone in Beta at West Pine,” Vecchione said.
