Wareham High School is doing its part to join Haiti relief efforts.  The school has taken on not one but nine different fundraisers ranging from car washes to hat days to help raise money for the country, which was devastate by an earthquake on Jan. 12.

The Wareham High Student Council kicked off the relief efforts with Hands Helping Haiti: hand-painted cutouts of hands are sold for one dollar each by the student council members at every lunch. Senior Kathleen Grady took charge of this project, personally painting and cutting out 300 hands.  When a student or faculty member buys a hand, they can sign it and then it is hung up on the cafeteria wall where everyone can see it.  The project took off with a bang less than three weeks ago and is still going strong.

"The first day, without even advertising for this fundraiser, we sold over 40 hands," said Grady.  When she was asked why this project meant so much to her, and why she stepped in and took charge, her response was, "I grew up with a not-so-great life, and hearing about people who need help makes me want to do all I can for them.  My uncle's over there as a doctor, and that inspired me to help as much as I can," she said.

A few other upcoming fundraisers throughout the school are a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (J.R.O.T.C) clothes drive and a student car wash in April.  All proceeds from the Senior Solo Recital will go to Haiti relief, and the Student Council will be doing a Hats for Haiti day after February Vacation.  Also after vacation, there will be a Haiti Spirit day where students show their support toward helping the country.  So many of the school's clubs and groups have gotten involved.  With so many fundraisers going on, the school is aiming high for their relief efforts.  All proceeds from the school's fundraising will go to these Haiti-relief groups: Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health, and Partners with Haiti.

Rachel Bonfiglio is a sophomore at Wareham High School.