Club’s goal is to aid the homeless

Students collect hygiene supplies for vulnerable population

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Photo by Zoe Briseno

Senior Zoey Renteria packs hygiene items for homeless members of the community during lunch.

Help 4 Homeless is a growing non-profit student organization with a mission to aid the most vulnerable members of society — those without a reliable roof over their heads. 

It all started with two seniors three years ago. One of the students was going through homeless problems and approached government and economics teacher Sergio Perez, to see if he could help them start a club. On weekends, Perez already volunteers to help the homeless population at St. Pius, his church. He quickly agreed to the idea.

Their latest charity project is to make hygiene bags. Members gathered socks, toothbrushes, bar soaps and many other toiletries. The club was able to make a total of 40 bags, adding positive notes in each. The distributed the bags to homeless individuals in downtown El Paso. 

“It feels amazing being able to give back,” said senior Briana Mendoza. “It’s something that brings all of us joy. “This year has been more successful because we have more participants, and we’ve done hygiene bags, passed out candy on Halloween and Thanksgiving plates to take to the shelter.” 

The main goal for the club this year is to help give back to the less fortunate wherever they can, however they can. 

“In the future, I want to be more active and vigilant. Being more out there and do more to get the word out so people hear about it,” Perez said.