L.O.V.E. = Lifting Our Voices for Equity

I wanted to share our L.O.V.E. project with you guys.  The students decided to focus on the homeless community in Des Moines.  They brainstormed ways they could help out and came up with making backpacks for them with hygiene items, snacks and blankets.  They made a list of the items needed and realized that the $500 we received would not reach the goal of 20 bags.  They decided to do a fundraiser and ask for donations to help cover the rest of the cost to make the bags.  They sold cookies and hot chocolate in the mornings as well as walking tacos during lunch.  They ended up making an additional $500 for the project.  We reached out to our Principal Mentors for donations and they answered the call.  Others that knew about the project donated items as well.

The goal of  20 bags was reached and exceeded!  With all the donations and fundraising we were able to pack 50 backpacks!!  We connected with Iowa Homeless Youth Center and they presented to us their services and opportunities. They also gave us direction on when and where the best place for bag distribution. We had a packing party and all the bags were packed.  We will deliver them to different locations all week.

Attached are some pictures of our process.  You can click on a picture to enlarge it.

Thank you!

Cory Jenkins
iJAG Educational Specialist
Des Moines North High School