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Students Interact with Japan

Posted 03/24/2011 by Katie Boyer

TJ Interact Club sets up a donation booth to join Japan relief efforts.

Artwork by Mia Nogueira

In response to the devastating tsunami and earthquake that left many homeless in Japan, TJ Interact Club will be collecting donations near the end of lunch every day in front of the main office. “Every day for about two weeks, not including Spring break, a different student from the Interact Club will set up a booth in front of the office with a jar in which they’ll collect spare change to raise funds for Japan. All we’re asking for is maybe a dollar, or even less. However much change students and faculty have after going to lunch would help a lot,” Interact President Junior Daniela Cardona commented.

Last year, when the tragic earthquake in Haiti occurred, Interact was able to raise enough money to send them a shelter box, which is a massive tent serving as a home to those left without one, which is filled with supplies such as – but not limited to – food blankets, toiletries and other necessary items. The shelter boxes cost $1000 each, but with the help of the DTC Rotary Club, Spartans can raise half the funds and the Rotary club will match whatever they raise. The goal is to raise $500, since DTC Rotary Club will contribute another $500, for a total of one shelter box sent to Japan in their time of need.

Posters have been put up all around the school encouraging students to donate, since it would only take one dollar to make a difference. Money can be donated to the jars in the following teachers’ rooms: Jonathan Poole, Tim Owens, and Matt Nicolo. These teachers will be collecting money for a couple of weeks, not including the week off for Spring break.

Those involved ask Spartans to please donate to any of the above teacher’s jars or at the booth at the last 15-20 minutes of lunch every day. One dollar or less can send a home to those in need in Japan.