Bridge Emergency Shelter officials are thankful for a number of local students that took time this year to help people that are homeless.
“The Bridge would like to acknowledge the many young persons in the area that showed their compassion for the less fortunate in so many ways,” said Bridge director Laurie Knutson. “It makes me think that the future is bright when I reflect on the generosity of youth that came our direction in 2014.”
In August, Paul Henkel, now a high school senior in London, England, spearheaded efforts to organize an auction to support the Bridge. Knutson said the event raised over $15,000.
“Paul had come the previous winter to donate winter clothing, and when he toured the shelter he volunteered to do a fundraiser,” she explained.
Knutson said students from Southwest Open School also sponsored a pottery fundraiser, raising more than $600 for the shelter, and Montezuma-Cortez High School students helped generate an additional $200 at a movie night.
Although monetary donations are always helpful, Knutson was especially impressed with a group of SWOS students that opted to walk in the shoes of the homeless by spending a night at the shelter.
One student said the eye-opening experience offered a simple lesson; don’t take anything for granted.
Former SWOS instructor Sam Carter said the independent educational experience was aimed to reveal the realities of homelessness, and serve as a lesson to ensure that youth strive to be successful.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com