MHS PTSA eNews, December 4, 2024

 

It is our last call for this calendar year to support 300 MHS Students-in-Need, 10% of the student body. Thank you to the 105 generous donors that have signed up to donate gift cards. We still need 274 gift cards for $25 and $50. All gift cards go directly to the families for their grocery needs. This year has been a struggle for many but elimination of federal support programs and rising costs of living have adversely impacted families who are already at, or below, the poverty line. There are fewer weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break this year. This personal story is too important to wait, we must allow time for donations to arrive before winter break.

 

Please Read One Student’s Story 

One of Mclean’s Seniors immigrated to the United States three years ago to escape domestic violence, gang activity, and threats of kidnapping. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and environment brought significant challenges to this Family-In-Need whose already difficult situation was made exponentially worse by a devastating fire six months ago. They lost everything. The family temporarily found shelter but the mom and grandmother had to separate, they lived with a cousin while the Senior and her sister lived with a friend. Two months ago they were able to move into a one bedroom apartment for all four of them. They have a TV, a shelf, but no couch, chairs, or table. They lost clothes and do not have winter coats. The student is employed 25 hours per week to supplement her mother’s income, but their income is insufficient to cover rent and all of their other expenses as they work to rebuild their lives.

Despite the hardship, the Senior is a conscientious student and remains focused on her goal to graduate from high school. She learned English, became proficient to succeed academically, and maintains good grades while working. The Student’s journey demonstrates her resilience and perseverance, working tirelessly to support her family. She has turned adversity into an opportunity for growth. She is an inspiration!

Unfortunately, the student indicates that their family’s food and other resources are scarce. Referrals to community-based agencies, such as the local foodbank, have lowered their expenses. The social worker and counselor consistently support the student, and offer positive affirmations to reinforce her ultimate goal: to graduate in June 2025!

Your donation makes an immediate impact on MHS families in need, so please consider donating gift cards for $25 or $50. You can donate one, two, or many gift cards, here’s how:

STEP 1: Click HERE to Sign-Up to donate gift cards.

STEP 2: There are three ways you can purchase gift cards:      

1. Go to a Safeway, Target, or Walmart store and purchase gift card(s) for $25 or $50
2. Go online to Safeway Gift Cards,Target Gift Cards, or Walmart Gift Cards and purchase “plastic gift card(s)” to mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill.
3. Go online to Safeway eGift Cards,Target eGift Cards, or Walmart eGift Cards and purchase “electronic gift card(s)”, print out the paper copy, and mail/drop off to Jennifer Hill.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please indicate the $ amount of the gift card(s) on the envelope when you mail/drop them off.

 

Please use the following address for all mailed gift cards:

c/o Jennifer Hill

McLean High School

1633 Davidson Road

McLean VA 22101

 

The deadline for Gift Cards is extended to Friday, December 13^th, so that the cards can be distributed before the winter break.

 

We are grateful for your generosity and charitable donation.

With much gratitude,

The McLean Matters Committee

eblankenbaker@verizon.net

The McLean HS Choir Fundraisers

The McLean HS Choir program has a trip to Iceland planned where the students will perform in several large venues.  The program needs to raise funds to be able to provide scholarships for those kids who need them and to cover the costs of the program not otherwise covered by the school like uniforms.  The choirs have a couple of fundraisers coming up and they would greatly appreciate your participation!  Here is the information:

 

BigBuns - 12/04

• When: All day event - just mention McLean choirs with your orders. 
• Location: 1330 Chain Bridge

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!