In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, SHS seniors Sarah Gillis and Katerina Guyette took the initiative to organize a clothing drive that left a lasting impact on the local community.
Motivated by their shared desire to create a meaningful DECA class project, Gillis and Guyette recognized the importance of addressing the basic needs of individuals struggling with poverty. They saw an opportunity to bring about change through a clothing drive, a project that would not only benefit those in need but also foster a sense of unity within their school.
The duo began their journey in their business class with SHS business teacher Ross Maki, where they were tasked with creating a community giving project or developing a new business. The two were more interested in giving back to the community, so a clothing drive was their first instinct. Gillis explained, “So many people, including myself, have so many extra clothes in their house, so why not give them to those who need them?”
Looking to expand their efforts beyond the South Shore, Gillis said, “Second Chances felt like a good fit for us.” Located in Cambridge and Sommerville, Second Chances is a smaller business that accepts clothing donations; however, they noted that the Salvation Army and Goodwill are also great choices for clothing donations.
As the collection bins filled up, Gillis and Guyette found themselves impressed with how much the SHS community could give back. With the support of students and teachers from the school, they collected approximately 300 pieces of clothing for families in need. Donations spanned from simple items like shirts, pants, and sweatshirts to shoes, socks, and jackets, which they were pleased to see.
From a business standpoint, the pair learned a lot–from marketing to finance, the drive represented a lot of responsibility on their end. Business skills taught in their DECA class carried into their drive, allowing them to use them in a real-world application that went further than the classroom.
Gillis and Guyette’s initiative is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when individuals come together for a common cause. Their clothing drive not only addressed a basic necessity but also strengthened the bonds within the high school and inspired others to consider how they, too, can contribute to creating a more compassionate and caring society.
In the end, the success of the clothing drive went beyond the number of items collected; it reflected the generosity present in the hearts of two high school seniors who saw a need and took action to fill it, proving that small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact on the lives of others.