By Borislava Panayotova

  From Oct. 20 to Dec. 3, Tempe Prep’s high school Spanish Club collected more than 26,000 bottle caps.

   The Spanish Club hosted a fundraiser for MeHug.org’s Destapitas program, a Latino organization that helps Latino kids with cancer. Students collected bottle caps that are melted and formed into toys and furniture items. The proceeds from their sale raise money to help the parents of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses pay for medical treatment. Supporting Latino families was why the Spanish Club got involved.

   Mr. Cardoso, the advisor of the Spanish Club, initially had the idea of joining this cause. Theresa O’Connor, the president of the Spanish Club, helped organize the event, and she and Spanish Club members created posters and decorated collection bins. 

   Not only did the Spanish Club collect bottle caps, but all four Spanish classes competed to see who would bring in the most. The freshmen ended up winning the competition, and there was also a collection bin in the auditorium for other students to donate. 

   The Spanish Club is also planning to help other non-profit organizations. Mr. Cardoso says, “Next semester, we will join another good cause.”