Bearden’s National Honors Society was able to donate nearly 1,000 diapers this week to the “Fill the Warehouse” competition, a non-profit fundraiser helping mothers in East Tennessee.
NHS vice president Olivia McClure is proud of the club’s participation and hopes to continue the momentum in events to come.
“It was really cool seeing how many students donated,” she said. “It’s reassuring to know that if we are to do a similar event in the future, we could be very successful.”
Similarly, club sponsor Mrs. Lauren Sanderson appreciates the impact the club will have on the greater community.
“It made me extremely happy that we are able to help so many moms in need,” she said.
Mrs. Sanderson has found that donation drives often spark student interest. Students in NHS are able to earn service hours by contributing to fundraisers such as “Fill the Warehouse” without having to participate in traditional community service projects.
“Donation drives are a very popular way for students to get [volunteering] hours,” Mrs. Sanderson said. “Sometimes students don’t have time to volunteer, so donating allows them to use their time most effectively.”
Club treasurer Addison Pratt said that volunteer opportunities offered through NHS help facilitate students’ community engagement.
“Having an outlet for Bearden students to participate in community service makes it much easier for students to get involved,” she said.
Mrs. Sanderson hopes that teaching students different ways to benefit their community will impact their service outside of high school.
“My hope is that students will continue to do volunteer work in their community,” she said. “Not for the recognition, but genuinely knowing that you are helping others.”
Currently, NHS is hosting a coat drive. Students who are interested in donating can bring in coats to Mrs. Sanderson in Room 329.