Hollister
– A local teen is proving that all it takes to do good is a
willingness to help and a bright idea with his Future Leaders Are
Made Early fundraiser – an effort to make sure some of Hollister’s
neediest children start the school year off with the right
equipment this fall.
Hollister – A local teen is proving that all it takes to do good is a willingness to help and a bright idea with his Future Leaders Are Made Early fundraiser – an effort to make sure some of Hollister’s neediest children start the school year off with the right equipment this fall.
“I think our acronym, FLAME, says it all,” said Jacob Oates, who will be entering his sophomore year at San Benito High School. “The young people are going to be the ones shaping our future, and we should do everything we can to help them.”
When Oates was attending Rancho San Justo Middle School, a teacher nominated him to participate in the Dwight D. Eisenhower Foundation People to People Summit at Stanford University, a leadership seminar involving thousands of the brightest teenagers from around the country. Oates was given just more than a year to raise money and prepare for his trip.
One of the requirements of participating in the seminar was mounting a project to serve one’s community. After some careful thought, Oates found the perfect idea.
“I’m trying to collect backpacks and school supplies for students who need them at R.O. Hardin,” he said. “I think it’s really important that they have that.”
The inspiration from Oates’ project came from firsthand experience.
“I went to R.O. Hardin myself when I was younger,” he said. “So I know for a fact how badly they need these.”
Oates’ goal is to send 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to those in need. He went out and picked up his first backpack the other day.
As noble as his intentions are, however, Oates can’t fill 50 backpacks alone. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next two weeks he’ll be in front of Kmart from 2-4pm collecting not only backpacks but also binder paper, pencils, pens, markers, erasers, glue sticks, safety scissors, binders and any other supplies children might need.
Those wishing to send monetary donations can send them to Yolanda Rios, the Community/Parents liaison for R.O. Hardin. Checks can be made payable to Yolanda Rios/FLAME fund and mailed to 410 Chappell Road, Hollister, CA 95023.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected].
