Lower School gives large donation to CASA domestic violence shelter

In early November, the Lower School held a food drive for CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse). The response was overwhelming, to say the least!

Founded in 1977, CASA is the official 501c3 domestic violence center based in southern Pinellas County, FL. CASA operates the area’s 24-hour crisis hotline and 133-bed emergency shelter, offers community support groups, provides courtroom advocacy, assists the Child Protective Investigative team and conducts community and corporate training. In addition, their Peacemakers Program teaches anti-bullying and healthy relationship curriculum throughout the Pinellas County school system to end the generational cycle of violence.

“The students were so excited,” said 4th-7th Grade Social Studies Teacher and Student Council Advisor Carolyn Rowe. “It was only a two-week drive, from November 3rd-16th, but the Lower School ended up donating almost ten boxes full of food!”

The Student Council worked hard to inspire their classmates to donate food. “A lot of the food was donated in the last few days of the drive,” Mrs. Rowe continued. “It was really fun to see.”

Student Council went after school on November 16th to bring everything to the CASA office. “They were well-behaved and represented us well,” Mrs. Rowe said. Casa spoke to the students about their organization and how all of the food would be used. They planned to stock their pantry and have those in need take what they needed to help with a Thanksgiving meal.

In December, the Lower School will be helping Upper School with their U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. Students can bring in unwrapped, new toys to Miss Beverly in the Commandant’s Office.