Harrison Students Hope to Create Ripples of Hope with Charitable Donations

A single act of kindness can ripple far beyond its starting point. That’s the idea behind “Ripples of Hope,” where students at Harrison Intermediate set out to make a difference that they hope will encourage others to do the same.

Each year, Harrison student groups, known as “ships,” participate in the Ripples of Hope Challenge. Students were asked to brainstorm ways they could create a ripple of hope in the community using $100.

“The $100 Challenge is one of my favorite projects we complete each year with our students,” Harrison Counselor Ashley Rinn said. “It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the people and organizations the students choose to support each year.”

Students submitted proposals, and each ship then voted on one idea to carry out. 

The students who submitted the chosen ideas shopped at Walmart for supplies to be donated to the cause of their choice.

“I must give a huge shoutout to Wylie Walmart for welcoming our students and allowing them to take over for a couple of afternoons each year,” Rinn said. “One of the most powerful parts of this experience is watching the ripple effect unfold in real time as students share their purpose with customers and employees as they shop, inspiring others along the way.”

Harrison families were also encouraged to bring in items to donate to each of the organizations.

Students in the ship Freedom used their $100 to purchase personal hygiene items to donate to City Missions, a local nonprofit run by Wylie ISD maintenance employee Kevin Privett and his wife, Cherie.

Their charity strives to meet the immediate and long-term needs of the homeless. Kevin was excited to accept the donations in front of all of the students of the Freedom ship.

“Seeing middle school students care about people experiencing homelessness is incredibly encouraging,” Kevin said. “Their generosity helps us provide basic needs like socks, hygiene items, food, and other resources to our friends, but just as importantly, it reminds people who are struggling that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten. What the students are doing truly creates ripples of hope.”

Students in ships Dragons of Atlantis, Victory Helm, and Valor chose to support Adam’s Animals. In memory of their son Adam, Adam’s Animals distributes stuffed animals to area hospitals for children. This group donated 56 stuffed animals to the organization.

Golden Bucs, Rising Sun, Black Pearl, El Conquistador, Kraken, Avengers, Pride, and Skullz of Knowledge ships donated to the City of Wylie Animal Shelter. These students donated over $800 worth of supplies.

Leendert Helmink, with the City of Wylie Animal Services, accepted the donation of pet food and supplies and spoke to the students about how their generous donation would fill a significant need.

“Our hope is that this project helps students recognize how even a small act of kindness can create meaningful change, fostering a lifelong desire to give back and support others in their community,” Rinn said.