Local Family Gets Support From Do-Vall Club

During the holidays, many people feel they are not in a position to do anything to help others they know are in dire straits, but don’t tell that to the members of the Do-Vall Club.

The club, which is comprised of 13 third, fourth and fifth graders at DuVall Elementary and led by teachers Michael Hawkins and Anne Rosenau, raised cash for gift cards to help a Dearborn family that includes a father and mother that have been hobbled by economic troubles.

Hawkins said the students put in about 15 hours making candy for sale, including chocolate-covered pretzels.

“We wanted them to have a project to work so they used their skills,” said Hawkins. “They spent a lot of time making the candy, making posters to advertise the sale, and working on planning sheets. We let them go through the process of putting it all together.”

The students made the candy during club meetings; and the sales were held Dec. 13-18. The proceeds were used to purchase gift cards from major retailers. In addition to the candy sales, the students also received gift cards from staff members and other students, which largely remained anonymous.

The family that is being helped this year is in a state of transition in terms of employment, and experienced issues with their vehicles that have effectively left them without adequate transportation, Hawkins said. In addition to the parents, both of whom graduated from Dearborn Schools, there are two children that are facing a difficult holiday, he added.

The Do-Vall Club is student-driven, and undertakes several community and charitable efforts; in addition to adopting a family, they have organized a food drive to benefit a local church pantry. Hawkins said he believes the club’s young members learn about how important it is to do what you can to help others.

“I absolutely think that most of them have been in some way affected by the economy because of what’s happened in this area with the automotive industry,” he said. “But everyone can do something to help someone less fortunate—that’s what I think they’ve learned.”

Doing Good in Dearborn Schools: Watch for more stories about how Dearborn students are making a difference in their community every day this week.