 | | | Orion Academy's Community Service Club Photo provided | | | | | | Last spring Orion Academy Senior Jake Block wanted to push himself in a new direction. During Jake's personal growth project he decided to create an Orion club that would not only engage students socially but also help the school to contribute time and energy to important causes around the globe. Since the beginning of the school year, the Community Service Club has executed several successful drives and recently launched a fundraiser at the school's poetry night.
During the holiday season, students at Orion were not just thinking of themselves and the presents they might receive. In late November, the Community Service Club organized, promoted and successfully ran the 2nd Annual Orion Toy Drive to benefit the Variety Children's Charity of Northern California. Orion students were asked to donate an unwrapped toy to be given to a child in need during the holiday season, and they rose to the challenge. Over 30 students, representing all grades and homerooms, donated over 50 gifts, bringing joy to many young lives around the Bay Area.
After two successful toy drives, the Community Service Club focused on a different type of fundraising technique as well as a global issue. Last fall Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines leaving 2,000 people dead and millions displaced. The club members decided to organize a fundraiser to raise money that could be sent to the relief effort in the Philippines. On Poetry Night, Feb. 11, members of the Community Service Club took over the snack bar at the event. They sold basic snack items and homemade baked goods for a generous price, netting over $450. All proceeds went to the Red Cross relief efforts in the Philippines.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA