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Schools

Fulton's Helping Hands

Students make a difference at home and around the world.

Students at Fulton Middle School are breaking the dress code and wearing hats at school—all for a good cause.  “Our students are raising money to help local homeless people.” explained Principal Chris Christensen. “They can wear hats to school throughout the week, for a donation of a dollar per day.”

The Helping Hands Club organized this event and others to give students a chance to participate in philanthropic activities. Previous efforts have included support of Red Ribbon Days, a program that promotes  the decision to live a healthy, alcohol-, tobacco- and drug-free lifestyle. “The group was very involved with a variety of activities that called attention to the cause,” said Assistant Principal P.A. White. “They held raffles, organized 'Red' giveaways, and conducted spirit days, to remind students to 'Be a Smartie; Don’t Party!' ”

In response to the recent disasters in Japan, the group is springing into action. “We have an event planned for next week,” said Beth Fockler, advisor of the Helping Hands Club at Fulton. “Our group is very passionate about helping people in need.  We meet throughout the year at lunch on Fridays, and the response has been fabulous. The group now includes about 50 students, from each grade (sixth, seventh and eighth), and we have both boys and girls involved.”

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Other projects that the group completed included making Valentine’s Day cards for a senior citizens’ lunch event, Toys for Tots collection, and collecting pop tops to benefit the Ronald McDonald House charities. "Every time these students take on a new project, the school responds, and we have gone above and beyond expectations," Christensen said. The group recently raised more than $2500 by collecting loose change, which went to a very good cause. They have raised money for Haiti, and now they are planning an event next week to help the relief efforts in Japan."

In addition to funds raised within the school community, Helping Hands accepts donations (cash or pop tops) from the community. Contributions  can be delivered to the school office, 8778 El Lago St., in Fountain Valley. Information is available at 714-375-2816.

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