Benchmark School issued the following announcement on Feb. 11.
Throughout the month of January, Benchmark School participated in a school-wide service project supporting the Children's Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC) in Philadelphia. The CCTC is a private, non-profit agency that specializes in delivering behavioral health services to over 2,400 of Philadelphia's children and their families. These families are in need of hygiene necessities and clothing items. House Community Captains took the lead with this endeavor and collected these donations from generous Benchmark families for four weeks.
On Wednesday, February 9, the House Captains presented the donations to a CCTC Caregiver Services Manager, Belinda Patrone, and a Caregiver Services Coordinator, Stephanie Harmelin, LSW, at Benchmark School. Eighth grade House Captain, Jack Waldman, presented the results of the service project by sharing that Benchmark students and their families collected over 200 jackets/coats and pants, over 300 scarves, hats and gloves; and over 500 pairs of socks and underwear. The House Captains were able to create 25 hygiene kits along with being able to supply additional hygiene products which included over 80 soap and hair products, more than 200 toothbrushes and toothpaste, 20 deodorant sticks and a bag full of floss, hand sanitizers and other items for hygiene kits.
Dr. Adam Lemisch, Head of Child and Family Support Services, stated he was "overwhelmed by the generosity of our families to provide so many wonderful items for this program." He added, "I'm glad to see all these donations go to such a great place. It is nice to know that our Benchmark community can have such a positive impact on so many families in need."
House Captains line the Commons with bags of donations to load the cars!
The House Captains also gave a stack of colorful bookmarks, created by student volunteers during our MLK Day of Service, so when the children read a book in their library, they will know that the students at Benchmark School are thinking about them.
Mrs. Rebecca Rosenstock, a Benchmark Child and Family Support Services Counselor and one of the organizers, said, "I'm truly amazed with the overwhelming support and generosity of the Benchmark community. It has been so much fun to see the thoughtful donations come in throughout the month. We collected more items than any of us could have imagined!"
Original source can be found here.
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