Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — The spirit of helping others is alive and well at Pioneer Valley High School where a whole club has been organized to help the children of the world.
The club has raised and will soon donate $3,000 to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere.
“Every penny counts,’’ said club president Evelyn Letona Robles. “The value of the service we’re putting in to the club is too valuable to describe in words. The feeling you get knowing that your dedication and time is helping the life of someone your age or younger, struggling to survive the effects of poverty or war in another country, is very rewarding. We’re youth helping youth. I believe we’re living proof that making a change in this world, no matter how big or small, has no age limitations. Anyone can help change the world positively if there is purpose, heart, and motivation behind it.”
The club, 29 students strong and advised by teacher Roxana Maldonado, used multiple strategies to gather funds. The students hosted Jamba Juice sales, Blaze Pizza nights, and a Trick-Or-Treat for UNICEF Fundraiser where small boxes were placed in several classrooms. In addition, they asked students to take these boxes with them during Trick-Or-Treating and instead of asking for candy, ask for a donation.
The club is in the process of donating the money and has submitted the paperwork to the business office, Robles said. The donation process should be complete in about week, she added.
The club is also very generous when it comes to mentioning credit where credit is due.
“We as a club owe our success to advisor Roxana Maldonado,’’ Robles added. “Over the years, Ms. Maldonado has provided nothing but her time, dedication, and support into everything the PVHS UNICEF Club has accomplished. We appreciate the effort she provides every day to improve our club and help it fulfill its goals.’’