Harwood Interact Club’s annual drive supports families in need
By Waterbury Roundabout | December 5, 2020This holiday season, Harwood Union High School’s Rotary Interact Club is holding its 17th annual Gifts Of Kindness drive to support the Circle Inc. emergency shelter in Barre.
The Rotary Interact Club is a student-led, community service club that plans and organizes fundraising and service events for organizations the students choose. The club is partnering with Circle to support their shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Circle provides a youth shelter and support groups as well as emergency, civil and criminal court advocacy.
It’s a tradition for Harwood Interact to help this shelter during the holidays. Families there often leave home with very few personal belongings. This can be especially distressing during the holiday season. Due to COVID-19 and public health precautions, this year’s collection is gift cards to enable families to purchase clothing, gifts, groceries, personal items, gas, etc.
“We believe that it is a safe way for us to help them this year compared to years past where we have collected everyone’s new or gently used toys or clothes,” said club advisor Ellen Berrings. “We also wanted to find a way to help local businesses. Purchasing and donating a gift card is a way to support local businesses while helping out a great cause!”
Gift card drop boxes are located in the community at Red Hen Bakery in Middlesex, Three Mountain Cafe in Waitsfield, and at the main office at Harwood Union High School. Community members are encouraged to mail gift cards to: Harwood Interact ℅ Harwood Union High School, 458 VT Route 100, South Duxbury, VT 05660, Attn: Ellen Berrings.
“We are grateful that we can be part of this fundraiser and raise money for people who need a little extra help around the holidays. Thank you to everyone who participates,” Berrings said. “Although it has been a strange year, that shouldn’t stop us from caring for our neighbors in need!”
For more information, contact Ellen Berrings at eberrings@huusd.org or 802-583-8147.