The Observer » nonprofit

Local nonprofit helps Haiti with soap donations

yakbari — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:55:29 +0000

One year after a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, poor living conditions continue to plague residents, leading to the spread of deadly diseases such as cholera. MoverMoms, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to community service, held a soap drive, Hope & Soap for Haiti, from Jan. 20 to Feb. 14 to help the country’s citizens with this crisis.
The idea for the soap drive came from MoverMoms member and CHS parent Joanne Eglovitch. Eglovitch wanted MoverMoms to do something to help the Haitians, and learned that washing with soap is the easiest way to prevent cholera. MoverMoms executive director Rebecca Kahlenberg then organized the soap drive.
“We did not collect cash because people feel like it does not make a difference,” Kahlenberg said. “This is concrete.”
The drive received more attention after emails were circulated and the radio news station WTOP made an announcement. People began donating in large numbers, and MoverMoms’ original goal of 2,011 bars was exceeded quickly, as they reached over 5,000 bars.
A wide variety of people and groups have donated to the drive, ranging from small children to large corporations. Many churches, synagogues, schools and other organizations have contributed as well.
“It is great to see so many people contributing,” Kahlenberg said. “It is a great way for kids to get involved.”
The drive also extends to locations outside of Montgomery County, as MoverMoms has received donations from businesses in Texas and Colorado.
In addition, the organization held a bake sale at a Bethesda Giant Jan. 29, raising about $600.
According to Kahlenberg, the money to buy soap for the drive.
The soap collected will be picked up by the international youth organization Humanity First, which will bring the soap directly to the Haitians.
“The problems are still so serious,” Kahlenberg said. “It is gratifying that around here people will go out of their way to help.”

Young life club makes a comeback

kklusaritz — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:46:02 +0000

The Young Life club will be coming to CHS this fall.

In the past the Christian organization left CHS and then came back because of inconsistent volunteering. But with two new volunteers, it has returned to CHS once again.

According to its website, Young Life is a nonprofit organization active in all 50 states and more than 50 countries. They reach an estimated one million teens each year. Founded in 1941, it aims to teach kids about Jesus in a fun and low-pressure environment.

“Our mission is really simply to introduce teenagers to Jesus and to help them grow in their faith,” said Stefan Wiltz, Young Life Area Director for Upper County. “It’s nondenominational [and] it doesn’t matter if you’ve ever stepped in a church in your life.”

In order to do this, the organization makes it its goal to become a part of high schoolers’ lives and to form strong relationships.

According to Nick Havas, a Young Life volunteer for CHS, he says he wants to meet every kid. Having attended Young Life as a high schooler himself, Havas’ “ultimate goal is to help as many kids reach Christ” the way he did.

According to Wiltz, Young Life holds a “campaigner,” or Bible study, every Sunday, where the leaders help teens understand God’s word and how it relates to them. Also, on a designated weeknight, there is “Young Life club,” which is less serious and more focused on having fun. Activities include a wide variety of games and singing songs. Each meeting always concludes with a message.

“[The meetings] are fun but relaxed,” senior Jessica DeMayo said. “It is a good thing to do when you want to clear your head and get away from the problems and stresses that come with being a teenager. We play different kinds of games and talk about things that are important to us. It is a Christian group so we relate the Bible back to our own lives.”

In addition to meetings throughout the school year, Young Life offers weekend and summer camps on a wide range of camping properties.

“Providing a place where teenagers can come, have a good time and learn about Jesus— that is our goal,” Wiltz said.

Club Corner

adviser — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:06:06 +0000

Despite being a first year club at CHS, Habitat for Humanity is certainly not lacking in name recognition.

“Habitat [for Humanity] is the biggest nonprofit international organization that provides housing and shelter for those who are less fortunate,” club president and senior Jack Byrne said. “Branches of the organization stem from across the country and the world.”

The CHS chapter fundraises to support Habitat for Humanity and has been featured in both the Potomac Day parade and the Silver Spring Thanksgiving Day parade.

“Small fundraisers have been held and will be held in the future, such as restaurant percentages and gingerbread house workshops in time for the holiday season,” Byrne said.

However, the club will be doing a lot more than just small fundraisers. According to Byrne, the main focus of the chapter is to build homes for the needy, which it will begin in spring 2010.

Over 100 students have already signed up for the club, though it is always in need of new members who want to help the community.

“[I want to] let Churchill students know that working with [Habitat for Humanity] has been one of the most self-fulfilling parts of my life,” Byrne said. “No matter what level of significance, any person who contributes to Habitat for Humanity still makes a huge impact on the world.”