The Spirit of Community Service Is Alive in RI High Schools

Students Organize Collection Drive for Adoption Rhode Island on Behalf of Teens Waiting for Adoption

Providence, R.I., May 30, 2007 – High school members of the Rhode Island Children’s Crusade for Higher Education gathered last night at Crusade headquarters in Providence to present over a dozen gift baskets to Darlene Allen, executive director of Adoption Rhode Island, which is based in Pawtucket.

The gift baskets, filled with many donated items specially chosen for Rhode Island teenagers awaiting adoption, were the result of a collection drive organized this spring by members of the High School Crusade Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is a group of students who assume leadership roles in their high schools and who work together as members of the Rhode Island Children’s Crusade to create an effective community service project each year.

A total of 26 students from 17 high schools throughout Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket participated in the project. They developed a wish list of items that teens need and managed collection drives in their schools. Donated items included clothing, school and art supplies, personal care products, music CDs, store certificates, toys and games, and other thoughtful gifts.

Adoption Rhode Island will distribute the items to teenagers throughout the state who are waiting for adoptive families. Information about Adoption Rhode Island is available at www.adoptionri.org.

About the Rhode Island Children’s Crusade for Higher Education

The Rhode Island Children’s Crusade for Higher Education is an innovative nonprofit organization founded in 1989 to reduce high dropout rates and increase educational and career success for disadvantaged youth. The Crusade reaches out to children early and provides consistent support and guidance all the way to high school graduation. College scholarships are awarded to those who qualify financially.

Each year, the Crusade serves approximately 4,000 Rhode Island students. The overwhelming majority are from low-income or minority families. Services combine the steady, nurturing presence of caring adults with a rich array of programs that focus on academic enrichment, social-personal development, career awareness and exploration, and preparation for post-secondary education. For more information visit www.childrenscrusade.org.

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