By Sonia Malek

On Oct. 12, members of TPA’s National Honor Society chapter took a day trip to the Child Crisis Center, Helen’s Hope Chest, and the United Food Bank. Each organization was formed to address specific needs in the community, and the three groups are doing well in their missions to aid others.

At the Child Crisis Center, the NHS members were able to tour the building where young children are placed to live when their parents are unable to care for them. It was an enlightening experience for the TPA students to see children smile and play in a safe environment despite their parents’ struggles.

Caroline Kinsley was grateful to have the opportunity to see these children, saying, “Visiting the Crisis Center was an awe-inspiring experience. I know that there are so many children in need of a safe place, and I am so thankful that such a place exists. It was amazing to see how happy and healthy these kids were, even in less than ideal situations.”

If any TPA students wish to help, the Child Crisis Center needs volunteers to “assist with daily activities, such as getting the children ready for school, playing games or reading with the children, participating in sports activities, or going on field trips,” according to the Child Crisis Center’s pamphlet.

After the visit to the Child Crisis Center, the students drove to Helen’s Hope Chest, an organization that collects clothing, school supplies, and books for foster care children. The building was designed like a specialty boutique, in which each room had clothing for certain age groups of children.

Matt Thomas said that he loved visiting because, “I actually donated a huge portion of my brother’s clothes there. If he isn’t around to wear them, other kids who need them should be able to wear them.” This year, TPA’s National Honor Society decided to help Helen’s Hope Chest by running a toy drive for the foster children. Details about the toy drive will be released soon.

The third and final visit was to the United Food Bank, where students took a tour around the warehouse. As well as purchasing its own food, United Food Bank relies on private donations and government and community partnerships. Anyone who is struggling with hunger is able to get the food that they need for a short period of time. NHS is also working to run a food drive for this organization.

For anyone interested in volunteering at any of these places, details are available below.
Child Crisis Center: www.childcrisis.org
Helen’s Hope Chest: 415 N. Pasadena, Mesa AZ 85201; Phone 480-969-5411; Email hhc@mesaunitedway.org; www.mesaunitedway.org and click on What We Do
United Food Bank: Email www.unitedfoodbank.org; Phone 480-926-4897