Helping to keep folks warm this winter:  Members of GCHS’s Interact club sponsor a winter clothing drive. From left to right are; Cheyenne Weger, Jordanna Gagnon, Alexa Brandon, and Kailee Starkey.[/caption]

Gilpin County High School’s Interact club is excited to announce its winter clothing drive, which will take place from November 1 through to December 20. This drive aims to support homeless individuals who are in need of warm clothing or are unable to afford it this year.

Interact Clubs are the high school level groups that are mentored by local Rotary Clubs. The Gilpin Interact Club is sponsored by the Peak to Peak Rotary Club based in Black Hawk.

Led by club president Mason Sechler, the Interact club has a strong history of organizing various drives to help individuals at the local, national, and international levels. According to Interact member Jordanna Gagnon, it is customary for the club to undertake one project for each of these communities. For their local project, the club has chosen to organize this winter clothing drive, considering the cold weather in Gilpin County. Gagnon also points out, “a lot of people have old coats and gloves that they don’t use.”

The members of the Interact club sincerely request the people of Gilpin County to donate whatever winter clothing items they can to this drive. Contributions such as snow pants, sweaters, hats, warm socks, and coats will be greatly appreciated and will assist both the homeless individuals and the Interact club in reaching their goal of collecting 500 items.

President Sechler emphasizes, “Our big goal right now is to get 500 clothing items donated altogether.” He adds, “The whole school will be getting a popsicle party if we do hit that goal.” Clothes can be donated at the school in a few choice locations, namely the elementary entrance and the secondary office.

All donated clothes will be sent to the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, as mentioned by Alexa Brandon, another Interact member. When asked about the most challenging part of the drive so far, Brandon revealed that raising awareness about the drive within the community has been quite difficult. Despite distributing flyers, generating interest and participation in the drive has proven to be a struggle.

By all measures, the Interact club at Gilpin County High School is completely and passionately committed to making a positive impact on the lives of homeless individuals in Colorado through its winter clothing drive. They encourage community members to generously donate any winter clothing items they can spare. By joining forces, the Interact club and the people of Gilpin can contribute to a cause that will bring warmth and comfort to those in need during the cold winter months.