For the past two years, Helen Detwiler Elementary School’s Student Council was committed to supporting conservation efforts as part of their work as a student body. In addition to organizing environmental education initiatives at their school, students coordinated a popcorn fundraiser that raised nearly $2,000 for conservation charities. Hamilton Conservation Foundation was thankful to receive a $329 donation from the school.

Sharon Payant, the Student Council supervising teacher throughout this effort, shared that the Foundation was chosen as a beneficiary because “the organization is so respected in our community as caregivers of our natural areas…our school has definitely benefited from excursions to HCA on several occasions over the years.”

Sharon also explained how the students worked to raise environmental awareness. “We made regular morning announcements and made various community posts in our school newsletters. […] We encouraged litterless lunches, proper recycling at school and at home, and we raised funds through the sale of Kernels popcorn.” To emphasize sustainable practices, throughout the fundraiser, popcorn was purchased in recyclable bulk bags and portions were scooped out into reusable containers.

Feeling inspired to match these student-led efforts? Make your impact today.