Art for charity event nets $1,357 for food pantry
By Gail Peckler-Dziki
Correspondent
For the second year in a row, Salem students in grades K through 4 have used their talents to create art for charity.
Salem art teachers Brittany Stalker and Chanda Droske coordinated the program through Square 1 Art. Each student began by creating a unique work in art class, and through Square 1, families were able to purchase products such as bags, mugs and phone cases with children’s artwork printed on them.
All proceeds benefited The Sharing Center, a local food and resource center in nearby Trevor. Salem students donated the profit of $1,357.03 realized from 124 orders.
“I originally came about this project through an art blog that listed a variety of different ideas for art fundraising,” Stalker explained. “Square 1 Art seemed to be the best fit for our school because of our large student population.
“I had a lot of good feedback from last year and parents are happy to have participated in a fundraiser that offered memorable products rather than food items,” she added.
When the art was sent away, Square 1 Art sent back a free sheet of stickers with the artwork printed on them and a catalog. Parents were able to choose the artwork and item they wished to purchase. The items range is price from $7 to $10 and can be purchased on-line.
The effort last year raised $1,379. Stalker said that the timing of the fundraiser is perfect since many products are ordered as holiday gifts.
“Schools usually have these fundraisers to raise money for the art department of schools,” Stalker said, “but I felt it is important for students to make the connection and understand that art is very important and can go a long way in giving back to the community, this being one example.
“It is important to support The Sharing Center because it is local and familiar,” she added. “A lot of students have said they’ve helped volunteer there, donated, or may even be benefiting from their resources.”
Sharon Pomaville, Executive Director of The Sharing Center, accepted the check and explained that it will be used to purchase a variety of everyday necessities to be distributed to families and people in need of items. Pomaville said the donation is greatly beneficial and will go a long way in providing services to the community.
In 2013, The Sharing Center served 277 Salem residents. In Twin Lakes, that number is 120, Bristol 63, Silver Lake 60, Wheatland, 41, Paddock Lake 16 and 19 in the city of Kenosha. The Sharing Center also serves a small number of families in the municipalities of Genoa City, Brighton, Randall, Paris, and Pleasant Prairie.
There is a small homeless population as well that do not claim an address.
The Sharing Center is located at 25700 Wilmot Rd in Trevor. The telephone number is 262-298-5535. Visit the Center on the web at http://www.thesharingcenter.net.