High School peer helpers raise money for local youth shelter

PALMER -- After dropping coins in a can for a week, Palmer High School students on Friday presented $257.45 to the Dorothy Saxton Shelter.

For two weeks, students collected the money during their sixth-hour classes, and the class that donated the most money got to throw a party. Mr. Harris' symphonic band class took home the philanthropic honors by raising nearly half of the schoolwide total.

The idea -- called Cents for Cents -- originated with Peer Helpers, teens who assist and support fellow students in a variety of issues.

Peer Helpers meet every Thursday to discuss and organize school events. Throughout the year, the group sponsors a Thanksgiving drive and other charity benefits.

"We thought this would be good for the school, and as a group we decided it would be good to spend our money in a positive way to help others," said Peer Helper President Andrea Mills.

While not all classes participated in the event, James Zimmer, a guidance counselor at Palmer High, said the charity drive was good for the students.

"I think this makes kids more aware by contributing to their community and having a concern about the issues," he said.

The Dorothy Saxton Shelter serves youth ages 12-18 who have family problems and need time away from home. The eight-bed shelter is available to provide a safe haven for youth during emergencies, and its after-care services are designed to strengthen family relationships and point young people in a positive direction.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.