St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School student Siena Buckley hoped to find for a service project that would gain the interest of her schoolmates.
The enthusiastic eighth grader ended up choosing very wisely.
Students more than tripled their original goal in the recent Teens for Jeans project sponsored by Aeropostale.
A total of 346 new or gently used pairs of jeans were donated as part of the Monarch Leadership in Service Ministry. The jeans will be given to homeless teenagers.
“I went shopping at Aeropostale and they put a sheet about the project in my bag,” said Buckely. “Once I read it I thought it was a good idea.”
Others at the school apparently agreed. While Buckley was hoping to collect 100 pairs of jeans she ended up gathering 346.
“I think people just really wanted to help,” said Buckley. “They wanted to help kids their own age.”
As some added incentive to get students involved, anyone who made a donation was allowed wear jeans to school for one day.
“That is a big deal for the kids here at school,” said Joyce Blum, director of religious education and campus ministry. “They really enjoy wearing jeans instead of their uniforms.”
As successful as the Teens for Jeans project was, noted Blum, it was simply one of many students are involved with throughout the year.
Service projects are an important aspect of St. Mary Magdalene School and many students are eager to do their share.
“When we find a need in the community we try to fill it,” said Blum. “Teens for Jeans is a perfect example of how the Monarch Leadership in Service Ministry works. We also recently held an event for the American Heart Association and raised $5,800. So, there is always something going on here at the school.”
Those projects are usually successful because of students like Buckley who are eager to help those in need.
“This is the first time I ever did something like this,” said Buckley. “I’d like to do it again.”
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