Grade 6: Hearts on the Horizon Food Drive
Each year, a group of students (Grade 6 and older) have the opportunity to join a club on campus dedicated to helping those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in Colorado. The first order of business every year is to name the club with a title that best represents what the group is hoping to accomplish. This year’s group chose “Hearts on the Horizon,” which is fitting for the work they have accomplished so far.
In partnership with the Graland Parent Association (GPA), Hearts on the Horizon members worked hard to coordinate a food drive this February to benefit Growing Home and the Denver Rescue Mission. In preparation for the fundraiser, students worked together to:
- Interview and select the organizations that would receive the donations.
- Promote awareness by presenting at the GPA Monthly Meeting, Community Day, and the Community Dinner.
- Market the event through posters around campus and at morning carline.
- Coordinate food collection with the front desk, the Building and Grounds Team, the Communications Team, and various representatives from the GPA.
- Collect food during morning carline and sort/prepare it for distribution.
By the end of the week-long drive, students in the club were excited to share what they collected with representatives from Growing Home and the Denver Rescue Mission. Following the experience, sixth grader Naya S. said, “I hope we were able to make a difference by helping a family just like mine to be able to have a meal instead of having to go hungry.” In addition, sixth grader Margaret “Greta” B. said, “During my time in Hearts on the Horizon, I have learned a lot about the people in our community who need help and ways we can assist. I hope our club can better the community by helping those who need it.”
This spring, the entire sixth-grade class will continue to examine the themes of poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity by engaging in discussions and outreach projects as part of their service learning project.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
