The COVID-19 crisis changed this past school year. It changed our plans and focus, but it also created unique opportunities for North East ISD students to change the world.
One of those students is Churchill High School’s, Danielle Peck. She helped start the Math Honor Society at Churchill last year. The group only held a couple of meetings before COVID-19 closed campuses and changed everything.
“I was looking for a way for this club to do something for our community,” said Peck.
Seeing the needs during the pandemic, Danielle suggested collecting food and shoe donations.
“Not only was this a way to give back to the San Antonio community, but it was a way to connect the Churchill community during this unprecedented time,” said Peck. “I added in the shoe drive because, as a long-distance runner, I know how important it is for someone to have shoes to perform their daily activities.”
Since she really wanted to connect the community, she reached out to community leaders, asking the mayor of Hill County Village for help getting the word out, so they could impact as many people as possible.
“Families have added stress and responsibilities now with income lost, schools closed, and parents having to juggle more, so these donations can help the entire family. Whether it’s one meal they don’t have to worry about or new shoes for family members, I know we’ve made an impact.”
Nineteen club members and countless others, including Churchill Principal, Todd Bloomer, and Math Honor Society Sponsor, Tyler Gueldner, chipped in to help collect 400 pounds of food, $1,000 in donations and more than 150 pairs of shoes for families in need.
Peck wasn’t thrilled about telling this story, but she hopes it will encourage others to help make a positive change.
“Don’t be afraid to do something new and out of your comfort zone,” said Peck. “I posted about these drives via email, social media, and texting, but I had no way of knowing if others would show up. They did. There are so many people in our NEISD community willing to help others if we just have the courage to ask.”
