This year’s Quest Joy Shop at Quest Elementary School in Hilton was even more successful than last year’s, raising $3,201 for children in need both locally and around the globe. In its second year, the Joy Shop replaces the traditional Santa’s Secret Shop filled with trinkets that students can buy for family and friends. The Joy Shop features handmade crafts that students, families and staff created and donated to the shop. Students and staff then shop for items and the proceeds are donated to those in need.
This year, Heifer International and Amigos en Accion received a donation of $1,000. Heifer International provides animals to families in developing countries in order to support sustainable farming. Amigos en Accion (Friends in Action), started by Quest graduate Ashley Sullivan in April 2016, is a before-school program for students in grades four through six who come from families living in extreme poverty in El Sauce, Nicaragua.
The Cadet Cupboard, a food pantry for Hilton students in need, also received a $1,000 donation, as did Hilton Cares, an organization led by Quest Librarian Stephanie Harney and family dedicated to projects that impact the health and wellbeing of children in the Hilton area. The remaining $201 was deposited in the Quest Joy Fund for next year’s event.
“Thank you to our families, students and staff who showed kindness and creativity to make, donate and purchase items,” said Andrea Geglia, REACH teacher and IB Primary Years Programme coordinator. “We would not have had these successes without your generous contributions.” She, along with parents Sarah Carbonaro and Jessica Schuler, were instrumental in organizing this year’s Joy Shop.
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