Carol Wagner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Carol Wagner Gracie Onesti, a student at Shawano Community Middle School, is collecting items for the new homeless shelter in Shawano. Shown are, from left, Shannon Daun, Shawano Area Matthew 25 vice president, Becky Onesti, Gracie’s mother, Gracie Onesti and Sara Welsh, SCMS social worker.
Like all 4-H club members, Gracie Onesti is expected to do community service.
“I realized I didn’t do that much,” Gracie said.
When she read about the homeless shelter being organized by the nonprofit group Shawano Area Matthew 25 on The Shawano Leader’s website, Gracie started thinking what she could do to help.
She also knew some children attending Shawano Community Middle School, where she is in seventh grade, were homeless.
Gracie pitched an idea to school social worker Sara Welsh to put boxes in each of the 32 homerooms to collect items for the shelter. Welsh quickly gave her the go-ahead.
“I’m excited to get started,” said Gracie, who also suggested the homerooms compete to see who can collect the most donations.
The collection drive will run from Dec. 2-16. The winners will get an ice cream reward.
The students will collect items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and more.
“It it works, I’m going to try to do more drives,” Gracie said.
“I’m very proud that she went on her own,” said Becky Onesti, Gracie’s mother. “We want to thank the school for allowing her to do this.”
SAM 25 Vice President Shannon Daun said all the items will be used, and the whole board is thankful for Gracie’s generosity.
“I think it’s just an awesome idea,” Daun said.
Welsh said Gracie has done all the hard work and said the teachers are excited and supportive.
“We’re honored to have someone like her in our school and helping the community,” Welsh said.