What started as a classroom discussion at Schuchard is now a 20-year annual service project that is being honored for the difference it makes in our community.
The Schuchard Elementary annual sixth grade garage sale has been honored by MCREST with its Good Samaritan award for supporting the agency’s effort to assist the homeless in our region.
“We were moved by the efforts of young people to benefit those who need help most in our community – and we thought that giving this award was a proper way to express our gratitude,” said Scott Joy, the marketing manager for MCREST and a former student at Schuchard Elementary.
The agency’s recognition honors Schuchard teachers Jennifer Grover and Carla Maki, who said the 20-year tradition grew out of a classroom project where students researched poverty and issues around the world.
“We then took a closer look at how we could help the less fortunate right here in our community ,” they said. “We hope our students become aware of ways to help others in need and how incredibly rewarding it can be to give back.”
The sixth-grade students are then to collect their old toys, books, and games and prepare their own “shop” where they price items and sell to students here at the schools. It is so humbling and heartwarming that Schuchard is making a difference in lives of people in need, right here in our community.”
This year’s event raised nearly $2,000 for MCREST – a school record.
MCREST is based in Mount Clemens and provides meals, lodging, life-skill training and emergency shelter to more than 600 individuals annually.
Each year, the agency’s director April Fidler selects organizations to honor with its Good Samaritan award, with Schuchard being recognized with its Community Partner award. The school will be honored at the agency’s annual gala on October 17.
“We are so excited to share the awesome things that are happening here at Schuchard and we are looking forward to seeing if this year will be another record breaker,” Grover and Maki said. “It is so humbling and heartwarming that Schuchard is making a difference in lives of people in need, right here in our community.”
