Hononegah Students Make an Impact on Homeless at Carpenter’s Place

On Tuesday, Nov. 22 Seniors from Hononegah High School Student Council delivered a very large collection of household and personal care items they collected for homeless men and women at Carpenter’s Place. Gretchen Milner and Kasey Keating, teachers and Class of 2017 Advisers, accompanied the students on the bus ride to present the items. This is the fourth year for the generous student collection, a Scavenger Hunt for the Homeless. They started as Freshmen and have done it each year since.  Ms. Keating noted, “It’s their fourth year and I think it’s the biggest collection ever!”

The students freely donated generous gifts of time to collect the greatly needed items. By going door-to-door in their neighborhoods, they gathered donations of bedding, shoes, clothing, household cleaning supplies, nonperishables, personal care items, and paper products.

SUBMITTED PHOTO – The Herald.
Hononegah Student Council members gathered for a group photo while delivering items collected for Carpenter’s Place, an organization in Rockford that helps homeless people rebuild their lives.

“Items like deodorant and shaving cream can easily be taken for granted by most adults, but our homeless guests are very grateful for them,” noted Kay Larrick, Executive Director of Carpenter’s Place.

In response to the gratitude expressed by Carpenter’s Place, Ms. Milner replied, “We appreciate having this opportunity for the students to serve.” Larrick added, “The kindness, compassion and generosity of young people touch our hearts in a special way. It’s a joy to witness their selfless giving and enthusiasm for helping those in need of basic essentials. It goes counter to the negative information often perpetuated about our youth.  It’s a real-life example of the positive impact they are making on our world.”

Carpenter’s Place welcomes donations from families, classes, businesses, churches and organizations. For information about needed items and guidelines for conducting a fun Scavenger Hunt for the Homeless, call Kay Larrick. She will gladly share that information. Kay may be reached at (815) 964-4105, ext. 211, and [email protected].

Learn more about Carpenter’s Place at www.carpentersplace.org.