SHS FCCLA Collects TEE’s in a Unique “Recycle” Program-Promoting Suicide Awareness
Launch the media gallery 1 player“Give Us the Shirt Off You Back! Goal-246 Tee Shirts –Last Year 246 Individuals Died from Suicide In Nebrasaka
Hannah Kolterman-Wagner and Miriam Voehl, SHS Junior members of the Family Community Career Leaders of America (FCCLA) Seward Chapter, volunteered to serve as the co-chair for the local campaign SHS Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week and decided to collect 246 new and “like new” tee shirts for those in need or homeless-hoping to recycle the many shirts “just laying around.” Last year 246 individuals died in Nebraska as a result of suicide. The local collection sites are at the Seward Civic Center-616 Bradford Avenue, by the front door and in the SHS lobby, 532 Northern Hgts, through the holidays.
The FCCLA Committee is focusing on the issue of Teen Suicide and this as way to assist the homeless as well. “We felt that most young adults have a drawer full of tee shirts that they may have collected through the years and never wear” said Hannah Kolterman-Wagner. “We always are given tee shirts at the many events and activities we attend and yet often find ourselves wearing our favorite tee shirts over and over.”
“This has been a very successful project for the SHS FCCLA Chapter in the past and almost become an annual drive for the students, sort of like the annual food drive,” stated Miriam Voehl-co chair. “Last year we collected pairs of shoes to symbolize students who died in a year from suicide and we thought tee shirts would be a nice change in this promotion-plus we are actually “doing something.”
“We just feel that we can put these tee shirts to better use and invite others to join us in this campaign to collect a “ton of tees” for others and make them aware of suicide and prevention at the same time.!” stated Hannah Kolterman-Wagner. “It would be great to collect a ‘Ton of Tees’!”
The girls placed posters throughout the school promoting suicide awareness and prevention, set up a display with free informational materials and placed announcements in the bulletin on suicide awareness and prevention. They also distributed materials to each teacher on prevention and awareness of suicide. The FCCLA members are collecting new and like new tees in all sizes and regardless of the message on front (as long as it is appropriate.). “It would be great to collect a “Ton of Tees!” but the theme has a nice sound and yet we are also realistic, knowing a ton is a lot of tee shirts. However, whatever is collected will help those without,” said Miriam Voehl.
Our suicide awareness and prevention materials were donated by Boys Town and Bryn Hospital with the help of Dr. David Miers, an SHS Graduate.
The members plan to personally deliver the tees before the start of the next school term on behalf of their FCCLA Chapter, SHS and the Seward Community. “We have been given so much in our lives, it is nice to be able to share some things with others, and a good way to start the new year.” Stated Miriam Voehl.
Collection boxes will be available during the hours the Civic Center front lobby and High School front lobby are open.
Photo: SHS FCCLA members are collecting 246 new and “like new” tee shirts for those in need to recycle and be used by the homeless. Last year, 246 people died from suicide in Nebraska. The community is invited to donate tee shirts-new or like new. The shirts can be dropped off at the Seward Civic Center or SHS through the holidays. They will be donated to the Living Word City Mission in York.