The Dorothy Day and Center for Empowerment and Education Donation Drive

ACE Students Give Back

It is widely known that the students at ACE have the biggest hearts. So, it came as no surprise that when they saw a need in the Danbury community, they wanted to help. Students in Daniela’s guidance decided they would capitalize on their classmates’ charitable, holiday spirit when they organized a donation drive that would benefit the Center for Empowerment and Education (formally the Women’s Center of Danbury) and the Dorothy Day Hospitality House, named after the 20th-century writer/humanitarian who created “hospitality houses” across the country to battle the crisis of poverty.

Narrowing down what they collect required some research.

“We searched on the organizations’ websites and found that there was a wishlist of items that they needed,” said Tyler Scherer, a senior ACE student who is weeks away from graduating this January 2023.

Once huge collection boxes were wrapped in bright red paper, the students brought a box to each floor and spread the word. 

Haley Sanchez, an ACE junior said, “Since we arranged this during the holidays, everyone was already in the spirit of giving. It was announced during Large Guidance and Small Guidance and we made colorful posters that caught the attention of everyone walking through the hallways. Our boxes were overflowing.”

In mid-December, the group delivered a trunk full of paper products, water bottles, and women’s warm clothing to the Center for Empowerment and Education. The Dorothy Day Hospitality House items, which consisted of winter jackets, socks, hats, and canned food were delivered after school in January.

Asked if she will participate in charity or fundraising projects in the future, ACE Freshman Dakotah Hernandez-Mannion said, “Absolutely! It was really fun and it felt good to help people too.”

The need for donations doesn’t stop after the holidays. In fact, they are in significant need after the holidays are over. If you are looking to donate items or money to these organizations, please consider checking out their websites at: http://www.dorothydaydanbury.org/ and https://thecenterct.org/