Mariner students take time to make the doughnuts
Mariner Middle School students are working hard this summer raising money for a Florida trip in spring 2016.
“The kids have marketed some items and worked hard to raise money,” said science teacher Carly Zych, who presented a four-day WorldStrides DiscoverNow! Program approved by Cape Henlopen school board in February.
Fifty students signed up for the trip where they will study and learn firsthand about Florida's watersheds and ecosystems. Zych said the cost is about $1,500 per student, and fundraisers are crucial to help keep costs down.
“We're trying to help the kids who are going on the trip,” she said.
The group kicked off its fundraising by selling Funland tickets in May. That was followed with a two-week clothing drive that was a huge success, Zych said. A parent put her in contact with a New Jersey company, A&E Clothing Corp., that bundles used clothing, toys and other items for third-world destinations in Africa, South America, the Caribbean and elsewhere.
“We ended up with 300 bags of clothes and made $600,” Zych said.
It's a fundraiser, she said, they plan to use again.
Locally, students earned extra money making doughnuts at Gooey Donuts in Milton, and helping sell their creations behind the counter.
“Some kids worked in the back putting different toppings on the doughnuts. We got a lot of money in the tip jar that day,” Zych said.
Fundraisers at Irish Eyes and a car wash at an area State Farm Insurance office have also contributed to the trip fund.
Zych said she is proud of a core group of students who have consistently helped at all the fundraisers; when school starts she plans to make sure all students who need financial help participate. Altogether the summer group has raised $2,500.
The group is planning a quarter auction in September followed by an orange/citrus drive and a coupon book sale.
“We're going to have ongoing fundraisers to generate money,” she said.
Anyone interested in donating or sponsoring a student can call Mariner Middle at 302-684-8516.
