Club At West Chester East HS Helps Nonprofit Shelter Women

WEST CHESTER , PA — An East High School club has collected more than $2,000 and supplies for homeless women and their children. The donations may even help some women stay in the homes they have rather than find themselves and their children in shelters.

West Chester's East High School DECA students recently collected just over $2,000 dollars and much-needed supplies for Home of the Sparrow. The West Chester-based non-profit organization is dedicated to ending homelessness for women and children in Chester County.

Three East High School juniors set up the fundraiser. Nikita Gandhi, Alaina Newton, and Grace Treon said they want to make a difference by raising money to benefit Home of the Sparrow. Women in danger of losing their homes can find help through Home of the Sparrow.

"We understand these are unprecedented times but we see the value in supporting our community more than ever before. We are so grateful to have a chance to give back to a community that has given us so much. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means tremendously to us, any donation will help make an impact," the DECA team said.

The Distributive Education Club of America members said monetary donations are still being accepted at https://bit.ly/3kEUOyY.

Supplies are also still being collected. A list of requested supplies can be viewed here. Store gift cards are helpful, as are diapers and wipes, personal care items, cleaning and kitchen supplies, and sometimes larger household items like bedding.

Donation boxes are set up at Glen Acres Elementary School, Exton Elementary School, and East High School in West Chester until Nov. 24.

Home of the Sparrow partners with women and children facing homelessness in Chester County to secure housing, achieve long-term stability, education to gain better employment, and chart new paths for their futures, the group explained on its GoFundMe page.

Founded in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they support over 500 women and children per year.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact marlene.lang@patch.com