Disaster spurs students to act
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Peer Leaders at Greencastle-Antrim High School are in the middle of a two-week fund drive to benefit the American Red Cross. Among the volunteers are, from left: Ethan Goldbach, TJ Bard, Rachel Statler, Kristy Fisher, Danielle Smith and Alesha Brechbiel.

The wildfires in California sparked an idea to help people locally who have also been displaced from their homes.

The Peer Leaders at Greencastle Antrim High School were tickled with a choice of words in defining their project, but the 'spark' has motivated them to raise funds for the American Red Cross.

Initially planning to send donations to California, they learned from Tom Reardon, Executive Director of the Franklin County Chapter of the American Red Cross, that the immediate needs of those victims have already been met. However, there is an ongoing need to provide services to people in the vicinity who lose their homes to fire and other disasters.

The students decided to conduct an intense two-week fund drive for the local Red Cross. According to Reardon, the agency provided services to 61 families last year. Because it expects to see a $40,000 deficit this year, the students realized the need for help was great.

Beginning Monday, they are encouraging students at G-AHS to donate money at a number of collection jars throughout the building. They also hope area businesses and community members will send in checks.

"Any amount is good," said junior Ethan Goldbach, "but five dollars or more is even more greatly appreciated."

The Peer Leaders are using the drive to draw the student body into a united cause.

"We want to pull the entire school together," said junior TJ Bard. "We don't want grade levels trying to outdo each other, but to come together as one."

They set some high standards. The first goal is to raise $5000 by the Nov. 16 deadline. If met, the students will be treated to a movie on Nov. 21, when the school day is shortened prior to Thanksgiving vacation.

If they raise $10,000 the students will be treated to the movie and something special. Since those plans are still being finalized, the Peer Leaders want to keep it a surprise. In either case, Reardon will attend the program to receive the donations.

The team of 25 sophomores, juniors and seniors sent a newsletter home with the students, created a video for morning announcements, put up posters and will keep promoting the drive during afternoon announcements.

They divided up the responsibilities, bounced their ideas off advisors Jenniffer Everetts, Marcie Stover, and Diane Reed, and met with Ed Rife, principal, to explain their plan and receive permission. He shared information on the financial aspects of conducting a fundraiser, and the communication and cooperation necessary among many people in order to be successful.

He gave them a stamp of approval. "Your ideas and energy are great."

Citizens may send checks to the school made out to G-AHS. The district will issue a receipt for tax purposes.

The money will be used by the Red Cross to provide emergency housing, pay the first month's rent for displaced families and assist with food and clothing needs.