Club raises money for wheelchairs

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Dec 25, 2003 by Allie Atwood Capital-Journal

By Allie Atwood

SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Students in Washburn Rural High School's Interact club have been raising money to buy wheelchairs to send to children in developing countries.

Interact is a service club sponsored by the Rotary Club, with different clubs around the world that participate in both community and international service projects. For the second year in a row, the wheelchair project has been the international project for the WRHS branch.

"It costs $150 to send a wheelchair to a child in a foreign country, and for every $75 we raise, the International Wheelchair Foundation will match that," said Kelsey Coon, Interact president. "Last year, we sent three wheelchairs over to Panama and our president and secretary were able to deliver them to the children. We aren't sure where the wheelchairs will be sent this year, but we think they will probably go to South America or Central America. Our goal is to match last year's number, eight, and hopefully send more."

Interact's primary fund-raiser has been a bake sale members had during the high school's fall play. They have raised about $170, which when matched with the foundation's money is enough for almost two wheelchairs. They have planned other fund-raisers, including working the concession stand at two basketball games, a car wash, and a baking contest. Members also are looking for new ideas, and are considering a benefit entertainment show or a teacher variety show.

Interact members often decorate and hold music shows at Aldersgate Village, they have parties for the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka and they participated in a Princess for a Day event for girls ages three through six at the Lakeshore Learning Center.

"At the Princess for a Day event, we dressed up in our prom dresses and dressed the girls up in dress-up clothes, painted their nails and held tea parties," Coon said. "Personally, it was my favorite project because of the little girls involved."

Coon said that Interact members really appreciate it when people donate to one of their causes because it lets them know that the school is involved in the community. If members of the community would like to make a donation to Interact, they may contact sponsor Sandy Hardesty at 339-4100 or hardesan@usd437.net.