Making a Difference: AVID students assemble kits for the homeless

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students who belong to the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program are making a difference in the community by putting together food, warm weather clothing, and positive messages to benefit the homeless.

The students worked on two projects that will be donated to The Giving Tree, a non-profit organization that provides young people with service learning project opportunities. They put together Helena’s Hope Bag, which includes gloves, hats and socks and a note in a decorated bag, as well as Little Lunch Bags, which include healthy snacks and notes. Their bags will be donated by The Giving Tree to area homeless shelters.

Service learning is a component of the AVID curriculum, which helps students be more successful in the classroom and prepare for college. AVID teacher Jill Ruggiero said the students find value in the service projects since they themselves are often the beneficiaries of assistance from others.

“The students enjoy the opportunity to come together to serve their community, given that they have people in their lives who have helped them to achieve goals and take ownership of their learning,” she said.

Tenth-graders Isabelle Jackson and Alivia Albizu were among those who got right to work decorating paper bags and making cards to go with the hats, gloves, and socks that would be donated.

“It helps the community and we’re using our resources and what we have to support the less fortunate, so I think that’s a good way to spend our time and the resources that we have,” Alivia.

Both appreciated the chance to make a difference.

“We’re learning how to help the community and be kind,” said Isabelle.

Sixty-five AVID students participated in the projects to make 130 bags for The Giving Tree.