The Friends of Rachel chapter at Dickinson High School is coordinating a Suitcases for Kids fundraiser for the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center.
The chapter is advised by Trista Fisher and Fernanda Heppner.
"It's a group based on a Rachel's Challenge presentation toward the end of last year," said Fisher.
Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindess and compassion, coupled with contents of her six diaries, have become the foundation for school programs throughout America. The goal is to reach as many people as possible with the message of kindness and compassion.
In keeping with that goal, the chapter is filling four decorated hard-covered suitcases with items such as toys and games -- anything but clothing -- that children can use while staying at the shelter, said Fisher.
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"We're asking for books, blankets, toys, jewelry for the little girls, action figures for the little boys -- those sort of things," said Fisher.
The four suitcases are designed for a boy and a girl in elementary school level and a boy and girl in the junior high level.
Shelter site manager Amaya Quijano offered additional suggestions for toys.
"Learning toys -- we don't get many toys that teach things," she said. "We can use DVDs or VHS tapes of movies. Of course, we monitor what goes into the shelter as far as movies go."
She also welcomes books.
"We can't keep enough books. A lot of kids love books. It's almost a way of getting out of the situation they are in -- they escape into a book. Board games -- our volunteers play board games with the kids at least once a week."
Quijano welcomes outside toys, because they break and get dirty, and disposable items such as sippy cups, diapers and wipes.
"We always need bottles and pacifiers -- they just disappear around here," she said.
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"We really do appreciate everything," she added.
The community may contribute to this effort by dropping off items at DHS and designating them for Suitcases for Kids.
