The Ronald McDonald House is not where a famous clown lives, nor is it an extra-large restaurant. It is a charitable institution that helps many people in need, year in and year out. And now it is getting a big boost from a certain local high schools that everyone know and love.
The Sunset English Honor Society, sponsored by Catherine Manfra, has been working to give back to Ronald McDonald House of Charities in a very unique way – collecting pop tabs from soft-drink cans.
“I’ve been helping collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House since 2010,” Manfra said, “and it’s a simple process. The proceeds generated by pop tabs taken to a recycling center go right to funding the House. It definitely gives me a good feeling knowing that I am helping others. It is also an easy way for students to get community service hours for graduation.” According to Manfra, last year they collected four huge bags of pop tabs.
Manfra talked about what caused her to start donating pop tabs to the Ronald McDonald House: “When I was a student at the University of Miami, I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and saw what a positive impact the organization had on the families that stayed there.”
Staying at the house is anything but a vacation for the families who stay there. Manfra explains, “Many families will travel to Miami because they don’t have the special cancer treatment facilities they need, for example, in their own hometown. The Ronald McDonald House provides much-needed accommodations until their child’s treatment is completed. Many families simply cannot afford the plane tickets and several days in a hotel. Ronald McDonald makes their trip possible by cutting costs.”
The English Honors Society (EHS), which had their first meeting in September, has a number of other things they would like to accomplish this year as well. One plan suggested by Manfra’s plans is to have members help decorate the entrance to the school’s Media Center, based on a different theme for each month.
“I am excited and looking forward to seeing how we can bring the Media Center back to life,” Manfra added.
The English Honors Society is already off to a great start this year, helping the community, making plans to improve the school, and looking to do a lot more as the year goes on.
Miami Sunset Senior High School is located at 13125 SW 72 Street, Miami Fl , 33183. For information call, (305)385-4255 , or visit http://sunsethigh.dadeschools.net/
