Students raise funds for water filters

Think middle school students don’t care about the world? Think again! Students at Lakeshore Middle School in Stevenson, MI, raised more than $1000 in December in order to help kids who don’t have access to clean water. They plan to continue raising funds all year, with a goal of $2500.

Growing up right next to the abundant freshwater source of Lake Michigan, these 6th- to 8th-grade students have chosen to do all they can to provide water filters for underprivileged children in the Dominican Republic who suffer every day from the effects of dirty drinking water.

More than 600 students gathered in the gymnasium recently to hear Terry Allen, representative of Rotary District 6360, as he explained how the school’s funds would help the Children’s Safe Water Project. Lakeshore students saw a demonstration of a BioSand water filter, which is an inexpensive and sustainable method of water filtration for a household. They also heard about life in the Dominican Republic, including how very alike they are to kids growing up in a different country.

Lakeshore Middle School’s successful fundraiser in December was “Hats and PJ’s Day.” For a contribution of a dollar, a student could defy the dress code by coming to school wearing a hat or pajamas. For $2, they could wear both.