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Catskill High School students are helping their community by making and donating care packages to the Greene County Community Action Domestic Violence Shelter. Led by sophomores Aaron Cousens and Jaxx Marquez-Haberstroh, students in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) program teamed up with teacher Kelly Marino's fashion design class for the project.
According to the Catskill Central School District, FCCLA members raised funds throughout the school year to buy socks and new pillows for the care packages. Meanwhile, students from the fashion design class cut and sewed pillowcases to go with the new pillows. Students also collected donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other personal care items to include in the packages.
This March, Cousens and Marquez-Haberstroh delivered 16 care packages—valued at $500—to the domestic violence shelter, as reported by Porcupine Soup News. The shelter, part of Community Action of Greene County, provides emergency support for individuals and families facing domestic violence.
Cousens and Marquez-Haberstroh will present their work at the New York State FCCLA Leadership Conference during the STAR (Students Take Action with Recognition) Event Competition. The school district expressed pride in the students for their teamwork and commitment to serving those in need.
The Greene County Community Action Domestic Violence Shelter continues to accept donations and support from the community. Anyone in need of help can call the 24-hour hotline at 518-943-9211.