Students get big benefits from generous donors

Strength of community Christmas spirit shines brightly after Irma struggle

BY JELENA SANCHEZ

KONK LIFE STUDENT WRITER

People are still devastated from the damage of Irma two months later, and staff at Key West High School (KWHS) recognize the fact that this hurricane impacted the student body, and they are doing everything in their power to assist anyone in need of help.

The strength of community shines brightest in times of struggle. Through the combined efforts of multiple organizations and schools, the staff at KWHS has been able to collect a heap of donations from over fifteen private organizations, ten schools, and two government associations. Altogether, almost $9,000 was received. Some of the major contributors were LaSalle High School (Florida), Chaska Hawks Booster Club (Minnesota), Chanhassen Storm Booster Club (Minnesota), Keys Hail to the Recovery, GFWC Florida Federation of Women, Long Beach Middle School (New York), and the West Valley High School’s Keys Club (Washington).

In addition, KWHS teacher Robert Hill organized a bike drive for students who were in need of some extra Christmas cheer this year. Hill was inspired to collect bikes when he heard that some of the students “had never had a bike in their life,” and he says, “it broke my heart when I heard that…especially for students living in Key West.” Dozens of bikes have been donated, and Eaton Bikes and The Bike Shop have been either fixing the donated bikes at cost or with money from donations.

Other items that have been donated include school supplies, clothing, toiletry items, money, and gift cards. According to KWHS principal Amber Acevedo, the real struggle was distributing the plethora of gifts the school received, which is a great problem to have. “It turns out it takes a lot of manpower to get those donations out to the students,” says Acevedo.

Distribution was also difficult because of another unusual problem. Acevedo explains, “We may have the ability to help, but high school kids in particular are proud, so a lot of times, they won’t tell us things they need. It’s personal, so we try to reach out privately.”

Students and staff of KWHS are encouraged to reach out for help if they or a family member is in need of any assistance by contacting the school at 305-293-1549 or visiting keysschools.com for more information.

Jelena Sanchez photo

Key West teacher Robert Hill (left) helps spread holiday cheer by giving Nelson Alejandrez a bike donated for Christmas.

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