COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT EVENT

Helping for the Holidays

Green Bay East High School DECA Green Bay East High School 1415 E. Walnut St. Green Bay, WI 54301 Kayla Skaletski Katie Fineout Chayce Cornette January 20th, 2013

Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary ................................................. Page 1 II. Introduction ................................................................. Page 2
A. Historic background of the selected community service or charity. B. Description of the local community, DECA chapter and school

III. Contributions To A Needed Community Service or Charity ........................................................................................ Page 6

A. Description and purpose of project B. Rationale for selecting the community service or charitable project C. Description of the benefits of the project to the chapter and chapter members understanding of leadership development, social intelligence and community service

IV. Organization and Implementation ........................... Page 9

A. Organizational chart, member involvement and job description B. Description of the project and documentation C. Impact goal for the beneficiary

V.

Evaluation and Recommendations .......................... Page 13

A. Evaluation of the project B. Impact of the community service or charitable project C. Recommendations for future projects

VI. Bibliography............................................................. Page 14 VII. Appendix ................................................................... Page 15

I.

Executive Summary

Introduction: Green Bay East High Schools DECA chapter partnered with the Green Bay East High School Caring Closet, co-founded by DECA members Katie Fineout and Kayla Skaletski, to work together on a holiday project. The Caring Closet benefits families within East High School, Washington Middle School, Nicolet Elementary School and Anne Sullivan Elementary School; this project benefited 25 families at two of these schools. Why support the Green Bay East High School Caring Closet? The Green Bay East High School Caring Closet was cofounded by DECA members Katie Fineout and Kayla Skaletski during their freshman year of high school (2009-2010). It is a project that Katie and Kayla are truly passionate about and created a successful organization within East High School. Over 50% of students at East High School qualify for free and reduced lunch, this also demonstrates a need for items such as: school supplies, hygiene products and clothing. The Caring Closet has grown into an everyday resource for social workers and administration within East High School. Why create twenty five caring baskets? The holidays can be a tough time for many families facing poverty. Small acts of kindness, such as a basket filled with household supplies, can be used by any family and is especially appreciated by those who are struggling to overcome day-to-day living situations.

II.

Introduction

A. Historic background of the selected community service or charity As students of the Green Bay East High School community, we frequently witness firsthand that not all of our classmates have equal opportunities. Supplies such as backpacks, pencils, folders, etc. are often taken for granted by most students entering school on any given day. There are families within East High School, as well as many other schools within our district, who cant afford the basic school supplies, clothing, personal hygiene products, and many other simple necessities. Every child should have access to the basic needs of life so that they can focus on their education. At East High School, over 50% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch. This means that over half of our student body struggles to overcome many of the necessities overlooked by others. The Caring Closet was 100% student initiated, co-founded by DECA members, Kayla Skaletski and Katie Fineout during their freshman year, 20092010. As a community, if we can assist those who are struggling to keep their focus on education, we will not only be improving the individual lives we touch, we will also be improving our overall community.

The Caring Closet In February 2010, a small group of students began to consider the idea of creating a service to provide every day essentials within East High School. The students recruited Red Alert, a community service organization in the school, and were able to turn an old storage room within East High School into a warm, inviting, and safe environment. The Red Alert group cleaned, painted, and converted this room into a
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great environment to build the closet. Donations have been sought from many local community businesses, which are often frequented by East High School students and their families. The closet also receives many product donations from East High parents, staff, alumni and community members. For necessary items that have not been donated we are able to use monetary donations, which are mostly secured by grants written by students. The Green Bay East High School Caring Closet is a safe, secure environment located in a secluded area of East High School. The mission is simple; to serve students who are in need of a little extra help. The closet to provides assistance to these students who are striving to do well academically but struggle to keep their focus on their education. Many of these students are instead worrying about meeting some of their very basic needs. The Caring Closet is a non-profit organization, and operates entirely on donations. The idea was initiated by a few students, but more and more students are getting involved and will continue to be the main engine behind this endeavor. To keep the closet running smoothly and efficiently, one of the special education classes comes down on a weekly basis to wash and fold donated clothing, clean, sweep, and provide any other organization needed within the closet. The East High Student Services Team, along with the administrators, are the staff members responsible for escorting students in need to the Caring Closet. As members of the Green Bay East High School community, we believe in the equalizing power of education. We feel the responsibility and possess the drive to assist those students around us in recognizing that given the proper resources and

opportunities to be successful, all students will experience the power and freedom that results from a sound education. B. Description of the community and DECA chapter

Community The mission statement established by the City of Green Bay states, [Green Bay] is a proud community dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents, businesses, and employees through diligent management of our assets and wise investment in our strategic growth. We value our history, our citizens, our diversity, our businesses, our workforce, our volunteers, our neighborhoods, our downtown, and our waterfront. Green Bays population consists of 105,809 hardworking individuals. The Fox River runs directly through Green Bay dividing the East from the West. Green Bay is proud owner of the Green Bay Packers- making us the smallest metropolitan area in the United States to host a professional football team. The Green Bay Packers are also the only non-profit community-owned major league professional sports team in the United States. Home of the Green Bay Gamblers hockey team, the Resch Entertainment Center attracts thousands of people from all over the Midwest every year for a wide range event such as concerts to Disney on Ice. Other points of interest throughout Green Bay include the Heritage Hill State Park, Bay Beach Amusement Park, as well as countless historical museums.

DECA Chapter The DECA chapter at Green Bay East High School has been active for at least 28 years. The members of the DECA chapter are strong leaders within the school, these students not only care about the future of themselves, but also those around them. Marketing classes at East High School teach students skills in advertising, business management, and marketing yourself for success. Each year, the Green Bay East DECA chapter receives an award for Acts of Kindness, which is a great way for young adult students to get involved with giving back to their community. This year the DECA chapter went trick-or-treating for canned food items, which were donated to the local Salvation Army.

School Established in 1860, Green Bay East High School is an educational institution of pride and tradition. Throughout the schools 150 year history, it has been located in three different locations across Green Bay. The current location is at 1415 East Walnut Street, in the heart of Green Bays East side. Home of The Historic City Stadium, East Highs athletic field was once the home field of the Green Bay Packers. East High School has always served as an ethnically diverse population. Throughout its history, East has served individuals from all ranges of the socioeconomic scale and taken pride in providing a quality education for every child who walks through the doors. Today at East, the student body represents a rich blend of ethnicities, languages, culture and customs. East High faculty can proudly say that East High prepares students for the world they enter after completing high school.

III. Contributions to a Needed Community Service or Charity

A. Description and purpose of the project Green Bay East DECA chapter chose to create twenty five caring baskets to be distributed to area families. Holidays are a stressful time of year for everyone, especially less fortunate families. By providing baskets for these struggling families during the holidays we are giving them not only necessary household items, but also a sense of hope. Our caring baskets include a multitude of household cleaning supplies including:

Toilet Bowl Cleaner All Purpose Cleaner Spray Kitchen Cleaner (Comet) Toilet Paper Paper Towel Bath Towels Bar Soap Laundry Detergent Dryer Sheets Dish Soap Sponges Hand Soap Facial Tissue

B. Rationale for selecting the community service or charitable project Rationale When we began brainstorming project ideas for community service we knew we wanted a project that would truly make a difference, something that we could be passionate about. Knowing of the high poverty rates at our school, assisting the less fortunate hit close to home. Due to our involvement in the Caring Closet, it only felt right to continue helping a cause that we have already put so much time and effort into. The Caring Closet is used at East High School every day by providing students with school supplies, clothing and hygiene products. With this in mind, we wanted to do something more for not only these students, but the families they come home to. To assist the families of East High School and Nicolet Elementary, a feeder elementary school, we decided to create holiday caring baskets.

C. Description of the benefits of the project to the chapter and chapter members understanding of leadership development, social intelligence, and community service Leadership Development One of DECAs main goals is to develop strong leadership skills. Through our project our chapter has grown and developed a better understanding of what it means to be a leader. Individuals in our chapter have learned how to showcase great leadership skills through DECA involvement. Our Community Service Project, Helping for the Holidays created awareness in our DECA chapter of the charitable organizations within East High School. Each and every member knew what a great cause they were helping and quickly volunteered when given the proposal. Katie, Kayla, and Chayce demonstrated and showcased their leadership ability by initiating and completing Helping for the Holidays.

Social Intelligence Social intelligence is a mandatory skill for any young entrepreneur to be successful. Social intelligence is becoming aware of customs, being able to communicate effectively, and having a deep understanding of the community where you live, work and play. Networking is an important aspect of a successful entrepreneur or businessperson. Many of the East High DECA members learned the importance of social intelligence through Helping with the Holidays.

Community Service In a society that evolves each and every day, its important to teach young adults how to get involved in a community that might need a little extra help getting to that level. It takes motivated leaders to extend great ideas and to gather more resources to continue their projects. The Caring Closet has generated an abundant amount of interest within the Green Bay community. With the help of the Caring Closet we were able to gain financial support and resources to complete Helping for the Holidays.

IV. Organization and Implementation

A. Organizational chart, member involvement and job description Many Green Bay East DECA members contributed to the success of Helping for the Holidays. This project was completed successfully with the help of the entire chapter working together to complete tasks. The project was led by Kayla Skaletski, Katie Fineout, and Chayce Cornette. Planning, gathering resources, and organizing was all done by Kayla, Katie, and Chayce, but brainstorming, assembling and delivering was completed by over 20 DECA members. The project was successful because of the hard work from the Green Bay East High DECA chapter.

Project Directors: Kayla Skaletski, Katie Fineout, Chayce Cornette

Event Coordinators: Kayla Skaletski, Katie Fineout, Chayce Cornette

Event: Helping for the Holidays Job Descriptions:

Apply for P&G Live, Learn, Thrive Grant Choose Date Check School Availability Permission from Principal and Advisor Shopping for products Collaborating with Caring Closet Staff Delegating roles to other DECA members Assemble baskets Deliver to Social Workers at each school

Chapter Involvement:
Brainstorm Ideas Shopping for products Assemble Baskets Deliver Baskets

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B. Description of the project and documentation Description It all began with one idea, to brighten the holiday season of those around us. As a group, we decided the best way to reach out to entire families was to provide quality household items. Once we chose our project, we had to put our plan into action. We applied and received the Procter and Gamble Community Foundation: Live, Learn and Thrive Grant. With this generous donation, we were able to begin to consider what we could include in our donation to the families. We took necessities into account that are overlooked by many, especially in times as financially unstable as the holidays. We chose household items because they are something that every family needs, but not every family can afford. With this project in mind, we were ready to put our plan into action. We began to organize our DECA chapter in order to create a successful mission. A small group of chapter members went to local stores to purchase the items necessary for our baskets. After purchasing these items, we were ready to assemble. As a chapter, Green Bay East DECA met in our schools cafeteria to construct these baskets. Once the baskets were complete, they were ready to be distributed to the selected families. Our school social workers sought out and delivered the baskets to families that were in most need of this donation. Twenty of these baskets were given to families of Green Bay East High School and the remaining five of our baskets were given to our feeder school Green Bay Nicolet Elementary School.

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Documentation

Brochure Basket Tags Photos Facebook Group Caring Closet Website

C. Impact Goal to the Beneficiary When initiating the Helping for the Holidays project, we set a goal to help twenty five underprivileged families by providing them with baskets filled with household items. Our project benefitted many families throughout Green Bay East High School and Nicolet Elementary School. While working on this process many individuals and organizations were influential to making this project a success, including: the Green Bay East Caring Closet, East DECA chapter members, East Social Work Staff, and East DECA advisor Jim Belongia. While collaborating with these supporters, we were able to successfully make a positive impact for families in our community. The families who received these baskets greatly appreciated the extra help it provided throughout the Holiday season.

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V. Evaluation and Recommendation

A. Evaluation of the project The goal of Helping for the Holidays was to provide 25 families with a basket of household products to help around the holiday season. These families were handpicked by the East High social workers, and very much appreciated our efforts in this project. We were successful in this endeavor because of the initiative we displayed, support we received, and resources available to us. B. Impact of the community service or charitable project Our project benefitted 25 families in our local community. Our Helping for the Holidays caring baskets were appreciated by many members of our community. We created awareness of the need that faces many individuals and families during tough economic times. This simple gift was enough to lighten the burden that holidays may cause for families. By involving our DECA chapter, we inspired young adults of the future generation to participate in community service. C. Recommendations for future projects Completing a community service project is a highly rewarding experience for any young adult to have. It takes initiative, hard work, and dedication to follow through on great ideas. We encourage all young adults interested in volunteering to start small and allow the opportunity for it to grow into something spectacular. For our specific project, our biggest goal for the future is to involve more young adults in order to gain knowledge of social responsibility within a community. Another goal would be to involve more of the Green Bay community. Our last goal is to involve

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the media next time, and hope that this project would inspire other young adults to influence the communities they live in.

VI. Bibliography
"East High School Report Card." Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Office of Education Accountability, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. <http://reportcards.dpi.wi.gov/rc_greenbay>. "EHS Caring Closet." Green Bay East High School. Green Bay Public School District, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. <http://www.gbaps.org/hs/east/Students/programs_assistance/caring_closet/Pag es/default.aspx>. Green Bay (city), WI QuickFacts." United States Census Bureau. U.S. Department of Commerce, 10 Jan. 2013. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. <http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/55/5531000.html>. "Mission Statement." Green Bay Office of the Mayor. City of Green Bay, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. <http://www.ci.green-bay.wi.us>. "Nicolet School Report Card." Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Office of Education Accountability, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2013. <http://reportcards.dpi.wi.gov/rc_greenbay>.

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VII. Appendix

Race/Ethnicity at East High School 2011-2012 Enrollment: 1318 Students

3% 30% American Indian or Alaska Native 50% 11% 6% White not Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander Black not Hispanic Hispanic

Race/Ethnicity at Nicolet Elementary School 2011-2012 Enrollment: 468 Students

4%

17% American Indian or Alaska Native 9%

55% 15%

White not Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander Black not Hispanic Hispanic

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Economical Status of East High School

44% 56% Economically Disadvantaged Other

Economical Status of Nicolet Elementary School

7%

Economically Disadvantaged Other 93%

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English Language Learners at East High School

18%

Limited English Proficiency Meets At Least Minimum English Proficiency

82%

English Language Learners at Nicolet Elementary School

49% 51% Limited English Proficiency Meets At Least Miniumum English Proficiency

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