Niwot High School Clubs - Spotlight on the Helping Hands Club

Niwot High School is host to over 60 student-run clubs, and one stand-out is the Helping Hands Club.

"Helping Hands Club is a group of positive, committed students at our school," said Sofia Burks, President and Founder of the Helping Hands Club (HHC). "At least twice a month, we come together to complete a service activity for one of our local charities dedicated to supporting families battling pediatric diseases and medical conditions."

This school year, Helping Hands Club has done service for Children's Hospital Colorado, The Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Shining Stars Foundation.

At both the Broomfield and Aurora locations of Children's Hospital Colorado, HHC donated items such as door decorating kits, cheer cards, and fleece blankets for patients.

Students donated recycled aluminum pop tabs to provide funding for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House who have children in critical care at nearby hospitals. They also prepared and served a meal for the families. This gave families one less thing to worry about and provided them with comfort and support.

HHC has also facilitated toy drives for Shining Stars Foundation to support families facing pediatric cancer.

"Our mission doesn't stop with these charities, as we are constantly seeking new partnerships with other local charities to have an even greater impact," Burks said. "Through our ongoing work, we aim to bring joy and support to families in need, while fostering community connections, and providing students with meaningful service opportunities."

Teacher facilitator Nicole Endres, who teaches Family and Consumer Sciences, aids the club by giving them a space to hold meetings and facilitating their work.

Club members include Capri Villarreal, Julia Klein, Elena Krone, Anna Burge, Annhai Ortiz, Shefali Joshi, Wendy Cheruiyot, Aanshi Gandhakwala, Kennah Brackett, Maggie Luttrell, Darcy Ellis, Katherine Butcher, Jordan Rutkow, and Aiyanna Villacorta.

The Helping Hands Club leadership team includes President and Founder Sofia Burks, Vice-President Claire Jensen, Treasurer Julia Freischlag, Communications Manager Ashley Ahrens, Resources and Communications Manager Emelia Hamlin, and Social Media Managers Ella Zechman and Keagan McGuire.

Ahrens is a great example of someone impacted by the actions of HHC. She said, "As a cancer survivor, I have seen so much kindness by different charities and Children's Hospital. They changed my life and made my fight so much easier. With Helping Hands Club, I have the opportunity to give back and make someone else's battle easier. In just the little more than a year this club has been run, I have been able to make the impact I have hoped to make in countless ways. It is incredible."

You can find more information on Helping Hands Club and connect with their community on Instagram @niwot.helpinghandsclub. Follow them to stay updated on their projects.