Students Give Money, Furniture to Shelter

Many of the students at Sylmar High School, some underprivileged themselves, have made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate in their community.

The students have raised more than $400 and donated thousands more in used furniture to assist Harbour Community, a shelter for abused women and children based in the northeast Valley.

“We are grateful for this contribution because we’re in the process of furnishing our 38 apartment units, and the furniture they have donated and the money they have raised should help us considerably,” said Ann Beckham-Akerman, executive director of W.A.V.E., a nonprofit women’s organization established in 1994 and Harbour Community’s sponsor.

Beckham-Akerman, who visited the school earlier this week, accepted a check for $428.59 from Sylmar sophomore Edward Sandoval. The furniture was packed and delivered to the shelter the same day.

Addressing an audience of 25 students and faculty members, Beckham-Akerman said, “Many women and their children will benefit from what you’ve done. On behalf of those women and children, thank you for what you’ve done, and your generosity will carry on not just today but a long time from now.”

Sylmar High’s involvement with Harbour Community began in October, when the students gave the shelter its first donations on Make a Difference Day, a school project that was part of its community service requirement for students.

Brian Adelstein, project co-coordinator and Sylmar history teacher, said students had brought in furniture, appliances and other household goods since September to prepare for Make a Difference Day.

This week’s donations were the brainchild of the students themselves to further assist Harbour Community, Adelstein said.

“The students came up with lots of good ideas on how to raise funds for the shelter,” Adelstein said. “They have really made a difference in our community and should be proud of themselves.”

For more information on Harbour Community, contact Women Advancing the Valley Through Education, Economics and Empowerment, or W.A.V.E., at (818) 838-9283.