“When we visited Sisu Youth Services, I learned a lot. Visiting the shelter got me more interested in this topic, and I want to do this project to help those who really need it.” - Camila Bielma, Business Marketing and Management Student
This holiday season, a trio of Business Marketing and Management students at Francis Tuttle Technology Center are focused on helping homeless youth in Oklahoma City.
Pack for Purpose, a DECA project spearheaded by Camila Bielma, a junior at Putnam City High School; Michelle Galindo, a senior at Deer Creek High School; and Anngy Rhodas, a junior at Putnam City West High School; aims to bring “joy and warmth to those in need.”
The students are holding an essential needs drive and filling Christmas stockings for the young people who utilize Sisu Youth Services’ programs. The group recently visited Sisu to learn more about the resources offered and how the project could best support the organization and those it serves.
Through Dec. 6, donations of various travel- or full-size items will be accepted at collection boxes around the Rockwell Campus. Requested items include deodorant, first aid kits, feminine products, journals, toothbrushes, toothpaste, coloring books, and baby wipes. People can also purchase stocking items from the group’s Amazon wish list.
The trio visited classrooms across the Rockwell Campus to announce their drive and share more about their project. They also placed donation boxes in their high schools, and their Francis Tuttle classmates have taken boxes to their respective schools.
Before starting this group project, Rhodas was focused on helping and providing support systems to teens transitioning out of foster care. That led to the idea of helping others with this Christmas stocking drive.
“We also want to raise awareness for people who need it,” Rhodas said. “I’ve seen a lot of homeless people, and people just ignore them. I just said that they need people to notice them and help them, and that could change their life and perspective.”
More information about Pack for Purpose and the homeless population in Oklahoma City can be found on the project’s Instagram, @pack_4_purpose.