The officers of Wayne City High School FCCLA, along with club adviser Laura Miller, recently met to discuss possible community service projects for the school year. After considering several options, the group decided to host a fundraiser within the high school to benefit SWAN Homeless Shelter.

SWAN is a nonprofit organization in Southern Illinois that provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and advocacy for individuals experiencing domestic violence and homelessness across 16 counties. The organization’s name stands for Stopping Women Abuse Now, though it also provides services for men. Wayne City FCCLA Chapter President Kaylee Bullard said the project is a meaningful way for students to help others in need.

“I am so excited that we get to help provide for those suffering from domestic abuse,” Bullard said. “It is such a simple way to help without much expense. Buying deodorant and razors is a normal task for us, but it’s not that easy for everyone.”

The group is currently collecting donations of razors and deodorant, items the shelter is most in need of. FCCLA officers have placed posters around the school and shared information on social media to encourage student participation. To increase involvement, the officers announced that the third-hour class that donates the most supplies will receive a prize. Club

“Every year FCCLA chooses a community service project,” Miller said. “This year, the officers chose SWAN Shelter. We have never donated to SWAN before, so we are excited to learn more about them and be of assistance.”

Miller said the decision was made to involve the entire school after speaking with representatives from SWAN.

“We decided to collect razors and deodorant for the shelter,” she said. “We do not have a set goal, but the third-hour class that collects the most items and brings in at least 10 will receive dirty sodas, courtesy of FCCLA. We would love to donate at least 100 items.”