A.W. Beattie students organize Foster Love Project donation drive

A.W. Beattie Career Center’s student ambassadors organized their 5th annual drive for donations to the Foster Love project, which provides love in action to foster children and families.

The yearly effort culminated in donating 16 duffle bags with clothes and other necessities like blankets, school supplies and more.

“We set it up so we would have eight for boys and eight for girls, all teenagers,” Shaler senior Jess Early said. “It means a lot to me, because we are giving something to other teenagers who don’t have as much as we do.”

Mrs. Jennifer Groomes said Beattie Ambassadors have always been invested in the Foster Love Project.

“When new ambassadors learn each year what we’re doing and why we’re doing it they really get into it,” Mrs. Groomes said. “They really like having the opportunity to help other teenagers. They understand the feeling of getting something new and nice, and it grows a little bit more every year. I just love seeing how much they embrace it.”

Beattie Ambassadors raised about $300 with Stack’d Hampton to fill the duffle bags with donations. They will also volunteer in February at Foster Love Project’s donation center and store.

Senior Gabby Weber said she enjoys being a part of efforts like Foster Love Project and Best Buddies, a student organization at Deer Lakes where she volunteers to participate in school events for students with learning disabilities.

“There are always ways we can do good things for the community and other people around you,” Gabby said. “It’s also a lot of fun.”