The French National Honor Society is looking to make an impact for Dallas refugees during its service project this week. Every spring, the honor society organizes a service project to support an organization committed towards a specific cause. This year's project is a toiletry drive benefitting Refugee Services of Texas, a social service agency that supports refugees and helps integrate them into their communities.
"I got the idea because I had worked in Peru the last summer on an archeology project," senior Elizabeth Hamel says. “I had been doing some research about summer internship programs but found I was too young to apply for Refugee Services of Texas. That said, I still wanted to find a way to play a role in helping the foundation. I presented the idea to madam [Rebecca] Gould and contacted the company with her approval.”
So far, Elizabeth says the drive has received outpouring support. Students have contributed several toothbrushes and toothpaste, and Haven Dental has also donated oral health products to support the cause.
That said, Elizabeth says they’re still looking for feminine products, soaps and laundry detergents because those items are used frequently. Elizabeth says the drive is accepting cards or notes to refugee families as well, expressing that there are children who would love a colorful drawing or a sweet message. Elizabeth says the donated items will be supplied to Refugee Services of Texas and they will distribute them to families based on need.
Elizabeth says she’s grateful for those who have donated so far and she looks forward to the impact this might have for Dallas-based refugees.
“I love the idea of bettering our community, and I feel like I have so much to give,” Elizabeth says. “I’m beyond proud to be making a difference, but I know there is always more to be done.”
Donations can be made to the drive until Feb. 24 in room 209 at Carroll Senior High School. For more information, email Rebecca.Gould@southlakecarroll.edu.