DAVIDSON – The Community School of Davidson High School raised about $4000, Friday, Dec. 10, for local nonprofit organizations during an alternative holiday fair.
A holiday village sprung up in the school’s common area, as student-made booths lined the school’s Learning Street hallway. Each booth had a theme specific to one of the eight nonprofit organizations spotlighted in the fair, including Davidson Housing Coalition, Davidson Lands Conservancy, Davidson Community Players, Davidson Public Library, Davidson Historical Society, Ada Jenkins Center, Davidson Farmers’ Market and Davidson Cornelius Day Care Center.
The nonprofits partnered with the high school this year to support the students’ practicum programs, an integral part of the Community School’s curriculum.
“It gives the students internship opportunities and gets them engaged in the community,” woodworking teacher and group advisor Jim Dumser said.
Prior to the fair, students in each group met and created “shopping lists” for their organizations. They listed different items their nonprofits might need, and the prices for each item. For example, they figured, $10 could buy two boxes of nails for the Davidson Housing Coalition.
“It’s important for the students to somehow contextualize the amounts for donations,” said Connie Wessner, academic dean for the 404 Armour St. school.
The money donated will not necessarily go towards the items on the shopping lists, but by making the lists, Wessner said, they realize that the organizations can benefit from all donations, not just the large ones.
Friday, parents and community members visited the different booths and used the shopping lists to make donations to the nonprofits. Each donor received a handmade card, made by the students, in recognition of the gift.
“I’m stunned by how well they did,” Wessner said. “We have a very supportive parent community, and a lot of other community members came out as well.” In all, the money raised represents almost 80 separate donations.
The students set out Friday morning, Dec. 17, to deliver the checks to their organizations.
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