During the Dunkirk High School’s FBLA meetings and Leadership classes, they often discuss ways to give back to those in need. Their teacher and advisor, Mrs. Dawley, introduced the idea of collecting items for comfort packs. Comfort packs contain items children may need after being placed in foster care, such as; toiletries, night lights, pajamas, blankets, small toys and other necessities. This allows the child to have something tangible and new that they can call their own.

The students collected items during their first period classes in the high school from Nov. 30, 2018 through Dec. 7, 2018. During this time period, they collected over 400 items to include in these comfort packs. The items were then delivered to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) on Jan. 17, 2019. Students who attended the trip to deliver the items received a tour of CASA and the Family Court facilities. They watched a film on what a child in foster care experiences when placed in a new environment and sometimes a new school.

“I was really moved by the film we watched and would love to do more for this organization,” said Emily Baker, FBLA president. “I believe the film was an eye-opening experience for our students,” said Mrs. Dawley, “I am very proud of our students; not only for their generosity, but also for the compassion they showed for this community service project”.

“I now feel more grateful for the home life and family I have” said Gabrielle Loeb, FBLA Parliamentarian.

CASA was amazed with their generous donation, and presented them with a certificate, making them official members of the CASA Kids Caring for Kids organization.