Mayfield Junior School Students Coordinate Fundraising Program and Awareness Campaign to Help Those Impacted by 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake in Haiti

After learning of the devastation caused by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake on August 14 in southwestern Haiti, Mayfield Junior School’s eighth-grade class and student council felt compelled to help in the form of the Hearts for Haiti Reach Out program. The students’ goals were to pray for, spread awareness, and raise much-needed funds through organizing snack bars.

Kathy Holtsnider, a former MJS director of religion, Middle School teacher, and advisor, spoke with the class shortly after the earthquake and shared the many challenges facing the Caribbean nation. Holtsnider has worked directly with Mission Haiti and the Hands Together organizations for years and possesses an intimate understanding of the region. Holtsnider pledged to match all funds raised by the students following her presentation.

Ryan Acosta and Jocie King are two of many MJS students that helped organize the fundraising effort.

“We felt it was important to figure out a way in which we can help quickly,” said Acosta.

“Many people are hurting because of the earthquake, and we needed to do something right now,” commented King.

Student council members coordinated online sales and in-class donation jars, then packaged and safely delivered orders to the Mayfield community last week. Students discussed tangible short and long-term ways in which the school community can continue to support those affected by the earthquake in follow-up classes.

Mayfield’s school-wide Service Learning program integrates volunteerism, academics, and leadership and challenges students to solve contemporary problems facing our world.

About Mayfield Junior School

Founded in 1931 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Mayfield Junior School is a leading Catholic Independent school serving kindergarten to eighth-grade students. Mayfield is distinguished by the Holy Child educational philosophy of developing the whole child as an intellectual, spiritual, creative, and athletic person. Located adjacent to historic Old Pasadena, Mayfield’s educational program best prepares students for high school and beyond. Learn more at www.mayfieldjs.org.