District 211 schools energize for Haiti relief

Several District high schools have organized fundraisers and relief efforts for Haiti.

Palatine High SchoolMany students and staff members expressed an interest in contributing to relief efforts, so "Heroes for Haiti" was formed.Two PHS staff members, School Nurse Jean Johnson and Counselor Mike Hernon, both have traveled to Haiti to do medical and mission work in the past, and they spoke with students about their experiences in Haiti.In January, Student Council students set up tables in the school's Guidance Hallway during lunch periods to raise funds to be donated to the Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund.In weeks to come, "Heroes for Haiti" group members also will sell bracelets they have crafted out of yarn and ribbon pins to generate additional funds.Future plans include packing food at "Feed My Starving Children" and collecting shoes for an organization whose motto is "Change the world one pair at a time."Hoffman Estates High SchoolOn Feb. 19, beginning at 6:30 p.m., students will display their talents and strengths during a performance to raise hope and support for the victims of the tragedy in Haiti."Hawks for Haiti" will showcase the best of the school's performing arts and activities, such as the Musical, Dance Club, Orchesis, Forensics, Poms, Flags, Choir and the Orchestra, among others.In addition, students will sell T-shirts designed by students in the art department.Admission to the performance will be a $5 donation, with additional contributions welcome at the door.Schaumburg High SchoolStudents Helping Others sponsored a number of events to support the Haitian Relief Effort. The first event was a monetary collection drive, with all proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross: Haiti Relief and Development.The collection was held Jan. 27-29; additional donations can be sent to Cindy Dvorak or Elizabeth Howard in the Social Studies Department. Checks should be made payable to the American Red Cross, with the words "Haiti Relief and Development" written on the memo line of the check.On Feb. 10 and 11, SHO will sell Love Pops (heart-shaped lollipops), with all proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross.Working in conjunction with SHO, Operation Snowball and Saxon Action will sell T-shirts for Haitian Relief. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross.Both Love Pops and T-shirts will be sold outside the cafeteria during lunch hours. On Friday, Feb. 12, the Schaumburg Saxons will take on the Hoffman Hawks in boys basketball. SHO, Operation Snowball, and Saxon Action would like to encourage everyone to buy a T-shirt and wear it to the game.Students will collect monetary donations and sell T-shirts at the game, and all donations and proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.