On Wed. May 30, the Youth Volunteer Corps at Muhlenberg Middle School presented a check for $201 to Safe Berks staff. This check is the result of months of research, planning, fundraising, and caring about other children.
The students raised this donation $1 at a time. They sold 201 neon-colored shoelaces to students at Muhlenberg Middle School, for $1 each.
“There are facts about child abuse in Berks County attached to the shoelaces,” said Casey L. Trexler, Muhlenberg Middle School 8th Grade Counselor and Youth Volunteer Club Advisor. “On the other side of the paper, it says ‘Thank you for supporting Safe Berks.’ ”
“The students did the research and found all the facts through the Berks County Children & Youth Services website,” said Trexler. “They chose this project, they planned it, and they worked hard to sell the shoelaces at school. They shared the information on the morning announcements, they made posters, and they sold the shoelaces at a table in the cafeteria during lunch.”
“I feel extremely proud because they are so passionate about making a difference,” said Trexler. “They are leaders. They are taking charge and creating change.”
Trexler said the Youth Volunteer Club received financial support from VOiCEup Berks to purchase the shoelaces. VOiCEup Berks serves as the local affiliate for the national Youth Volunteer Corps program and is dedicated to connecting people in Berks County with service learning opportunities.
Safe Berks staff Francine M. Scoboria, Communications Coordinator, and Chris Dowhower, Community Educator, met with the Youth Volunteer Club on May 30, to accept the check and to share information about Safe Berks.
“This is an amazing and original fundraising effort,” said Mary Kay Bernosky, Esq., Safe Berks CEO. “In addition to raising funds, this project raises awareness about the tragedy of child abuse. Everyone at Safe Berks is truly grateful to these students. They care about other children, and they are working to create a better and safer world for all children.”
Safe Berks services include a Safe House for adults and children who are in danger, a 24-hour Hotline, individual and group counseling, legal services and advocacy, and educational programs. Our services are free, confidential, and available in English and Spanish.
Safe Berks served more than 4,000 clients in the last fiscal year. Our Safe House provided a haven to approximately 400 adults and 400 children in the last fiscal year. Our 24-Hour Hotline number is 844-789-SAFE, or text Safe Berks to 20121.
