Hope for the Homeless
March 16, 2011
O’Fallon, MO
Residents staying at the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter in O’Fallon recently enjoyed a “Pajama Party” courtesy of Hope High School’s Leadership Class. Students threw the party held on March 6th, to bring a little fun into the lives of people living in a situation which is not usually enjoyable. In addition, the students collected and donated pillows, blankets, and bed linens to the residents at the shelter.
Each year as a part of the curriculum, Mrs. Terry Ratcliff’s Leadership Class implements a project to benefit the people of the community. The students were surprised when they found out that there is a homeless shelter not far from their school in O’Fallon and so they decided on the project, “Hope for the Homeless”. The director of the shelter informed the students that they were in great need of blankets, pillows, and bed linens. The students decided to collect these items by placing collection boxes in the school and at other locations. The students were able to collect 15 pillows, 25 blankets, 26 sheet sets, and 18 pillow cases to donate. But they didn’t want to stop there.
On Sunday, March 6, 2011, the students showed up to the shelter in tie-dye and pajamas to get the Pajama Party going. The students brought t-shirts and helped the residents to tie-dye the shirts. Dominoes’ donated pizza and the students brought desserts and sodas; but the highlight of the evening was singing karaoke. Students and residents sang and danced the night away. “We really needed a night like this,” said one of the residents.
The Salvation Army is a local temporary homeless shelter located at, 3 William Booth Dr., O’Fallon MO 63366. They provide rent and utility assistance to families in need as well as a temporary shelter for families who have lost their homes. For more information or to volunteer go to www.Salvationarmy.org.
The Leadership Class at Hope High School is a semester course that focuses on learning the essentials of leadership through research, planning, and implementing a service learning project. Throughout the semester, students learn to develop a positive self-image, to communicate effectively, to work in a group setting, to make knowledgeable decisions, to set smart goals and to become school and community leaders.
Hope High School is the alternative high school in the Fort Zumwalt School District. It is located at 307 West Pitman, O’Fallon, MO.
From the Fort Zumwalt School District
Copyright 2011 Neighbors About Town
