AUSTintown Snowflake project is in honor of school in Conn.

Staff report

Austintown

St. Joseph Immaculate Heart of Mary Student Council has a goal of an Act of Charity for each month of the school year.

When Student Council Adviser Sharon Machuga read about Sandy Hook Elementary PTO’s project of turning their “new” school building into a “Winter Wonderland” she brought the article to the student council representatives.

Student council representatives decided to have the entire SJIHM student body participate in making snowflakes to help Sandy Hook Elementary PTO accomplish their goal, and to show Sandy Hook students’ love and support from Austintown.

All SJIHM students gave their recess time to cut snowflakes that would be sent to Sandy Hook.

“These snowflakes will be hung throughout Sandy Hook’s “new” school, transforming it into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ of love and support,” Machuga said. “They join other snowflakes from around our country in support of Sandy Hook’s community.”

December’s projects were the Student Council Giving Tree where blankets, hats, mittens and scarves were donated to the Youngstown Rescue Mission.

Council members also participated in the Keep the Kids Warm Campaign through Catholic Charities.

November was care packages for the troops. Posters were made to create interest in donating small items to be shipped to military personnel, and money was collected to pay for the postage.

About 150 pounds of goodies were collected enabling students to send 17 boxes to troops. Individual letters were placed in each box sending thank-yous from all students.

In keeping with the Thanksgiving season, November also saw a food drive sponsored by student council for the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

October was “First Step for Change.” Student council placed baby bottles in each classroom and asked students to place their loose change in the bottle.

“The money collected will help mothers to purchase food, formula, diapers and other essential items to raise healthy babies,” said Student Council President Patrick Thomas.

Student council also has projects to increase awareness for cancer research and support. A jeans day took place, and students and staff each paid $1 to wear jeans for the day.

The money raised was donated to “Stand Up For Cancer.”

A fundraiser is coming the beginning of 2013 in honor of a student alumnus who had leukemia. The student council promotes participation in Pennies for Pasta, an organization raising money for leukemia research.

The school has taken part in the event for the past 12 years.

Future Student Council activities planned for Acts of Charity include a cake- decorating contest where cakes will be judged and awards given.

After the contest, cakes will be cut and pieces sold with money going to a charity yet to be determined.