Spanish Students Fundraise for Hurricane Stricken Puerto Rico

October 23, 2017

Students in Spanish 3 and 4 have undertaken an initiative to raise money for those in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Maria.

The hurricane, which struck the island on September 20, knocked out power on the entire island and destroyed countless homes and businesses. Residents of the island still almost no access to food or clean water, even a month after the island was hit.

Spanish teachers Heather Walker and Michaele Rayburn had their students read articles and watch videos about the turmoil in the territory, and they then proposed the question to their students of what they could do to help.

“Many students together came up with the idea of raising money using cans,” said Walker.

Using cans, jars, or other containers brought in from home, students walked around during their classes and lunches and collected money from their peers.

Money collected will be donated to the Hispanic Center in downtown York, where Spanish students travel once a month to volunteer.

Junior Mary Nolan, a Spanish 4 student, has collected $100 from her peers. She and a friend walked around at a soccer game to gain attention to their cause.

“In Spanish class, we made little signs for the cans showing the current situation,” she said. “A lot of people already know about the situation and what’s happening so they want to help.”

The students used their cans from October 10 to 17, but AP Spanish students will continue collecting donations of money and clothing for the Hispanic Center throughout the year.

“Students definitely develop a sense of pride and ownership from creating an idea and following through with it,” said Rayburn. “It’s a learning experience, and it helps them become a part of the community.”

So far, the students have raised almost $400.

“I’m always amazed at the generosity of the student body,” said Walker. “They always exceed our expectations during fundraisers.”

To this statement, Nolan agrees. “I’ve learned that when hard times are happening people are willing to help, you just need to ask,” she said.