H2O's "For The Kids" Campaign

H2O, Lakewood’s youth volunteer program set records in 2009.

575 young Lakewood residents in grades 6-12 provided 8,210 hours of service at more than 90 community events, which helped 36 organizations and raised over $7,000 for charities.

“H2O has shown us the importance of volunteering. We have seen how we can make a difference in our community– it’s life-changing for us and the people we serve.”

Now, Help to Others Needs Help From Others. To keep service learning going and growing, H2O is kicking off its FOR THE KIDS campaign.  Members of Lakewood’s H2O “Help to Others” youth volunteer program are embarking on a major fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise $30,000 in 30 days. “More kids want to join H2O, but donations aren’t keeping up with costs. Our goal is to keep service learning activities affordable for all Lakewood teens who want to participate,” states H2O Program Director, Celia Dorsch. There are more than 500 Lakewood youth that participate in H2O activities and events each year. H2O currently has members that attend the following eight schools: Lakewood High School, St. Edward High School, St. Ignatius High School, St. Joseph Academy, Magnificat High School, Garfield Middle School, Harding Middle School, and Lakewood Catholic Academy. The City of Lakewood, in partnership with the Lakewood City Schools, provides staffing and space for H2O activities. The rest of H2O’s needs, including salaries for ten college-aged Summer Service Camp counselors, project equipment and supplies, and transportation expenses are funded through private donations. To achieve their FOR THE KIDS campaign goal, H2O members are reaching out to the community for support.

In addition, H2O members are hosting the following two events:

• H2O’s All Middle School Dance is set for March 13th from 6-8pm at Lakewood High School. The dance is open to all students who attend grades 6-8 at Garfield or Harding Middle Schools and Lakewood Catholic Academy. Admission is $3.00 in advance or $5.00 at the door. Pre-sale tickets available beginning March 8 at the schools.
• H2O’s Breakfast with the Bunny on March 20th at the Woman’s Pavilion in Lakewood Park. Tickets are $8 for an adult and $5 for a child under 12. Four seating times are available: 8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:00 am, and 12:15 pm. For more information on purchasing tickets, visit www.thelakewoodfoundation.org/h2o.

Please help H2O reach their goal of $30,000 in 30 days. Donations can be made by check or credit card. Checks, payable to “The Lakewood Foundation/H2O” should be mailed to Help to Others, 12900 Madison Avenue Lakewood, Ohio 44107. Secure on-line donations can be made by visiting www.thelakewoodfoundation/h2o. All levels of donations are appreciated. H2O’s FOR THE KIDS campaign is sponsored by The Lakewood Foundation. Donations are 100% tax deductible.