Key Club organizes a school-wide fundraiser challenging classes to compete to raise the most money for those impacted by the hurricanes

The three major hurricanes and one Category 1 hurricane that hit the United States this hurricane season have wreaked devastation to Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico. However, the Potomac Falls’ Key Club started a fundraiser to help those affected.

After Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and Hurricane Irma hit Florida, the Key Club decided to hold a fundraiser called “Hundreds for Harvey” to help those who were affected by the storms. According to Leah Hawley, English teacher, the inspiration for the fundraiser was need and “the fact that there were going to be so many people impacted and that we, as a community, have the ability to assist financially.”

The fundraiser lasted until October 13. Students could donate in the foyer and in their respective English classrooms. Key Club hoped that by tracking the amount of money each grade level donated, it would create an incentive for students to donate more to the cause.

“The class who has collected the most money will be recognized in a very special way that will be announced at a later date,” said MaryAnn Ottenberg, Key Club co-sponsor.

In addition to donating in the foyer, each English classroom had an envelope in which students could add money and a chart to help them track the amount earned.

“I believe that the school relief fundraiser gave enough information because everything was structured well and we knew how donate,” said sophomore Congminh Tran.

The fundraiser was publicized on “Feature Friday” and other school information outlets. “I think it was publicized well and students were motivated to give,” said Hawley.

All four storms brought a deluge of rain and fierce winds to the coasts they hit. Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Irma made landfall at Category 4 strength. Hurricane Nate made landfall as a Category 1 in Louisiana. According to the Weather Channel, “September 2017 was the single most active month for Atlantic tropical cyclones on record.”

Originally, the Key Club wanted to donate the money to two high schools with panther mascots. However, when the Key Club tried to contact both schools, nobody answered. “There is a chance they’ve been just so overwhelmed that we aren’t able to get in touch,” said Hawley.

The change in plans led the Key Club to focus on “helping students and families in all three regions of the US,” said Ottenberg. The change in plans also allowed the Key Club to help Puerto Rico.

After the fundraiser was over, the Key Club started the task of adding up all the donations. The Key Club raised over $2,000 for hurricane relief. “The victims of the hurricanes will absolutely benefit from every single donation received,” said Ottenberg.