Pine-Richland high schoolers learn about ShelterBox

During global events of crisis, families who lose their homes often find relief in ShelterBox, an emergency, family-size tent accompanied with necessities like cooking sets, hygiene supplies and solar lights.

This month, Pine-Richland high school students had the opportunity to experience a ShelterBox on school grounds.

The school’s Key Club set up the tent outside of the high school cafeteria during lunchtime on Jan. 18. Key Club members explained the purpose of the ShelterBox to their peers and showed them the tent and its supplies as part of the club’s sponsorship of ShelterBox.

“Instead of just speaking about the activities of ShelterBox and all the good that they do, club members wanted to make sure that it is something that would stick in the minds of students,” Key Club sponsor Rachael Meder said via email. “What better way than to bring a ShelterBox to the school so all students could see it as they enter and exit the cafeteria?”

This is the first year that Key Club has sponsored ShelterBox, Meder said. The club worked closely with the Pine Mar Rotary Club to bring ShelterBox to Pine-Richland.

Paige Baratka, a junior and Key Club member, enjoyed showing the ShelterBox to her peers. She also learned during the event, and was impressed that one box could provide a family with shelter, clean water, warmth and more.

“Everyone deserves the basic necessities and it’s amazing that ShelterBox can provide those items,” Baratka said via email.

ShelterBoxes are often used during natural disasters and conflicts. Meder said they’re currently being used to assist Ukrainian families during the war.

Pine-Richland’s Key Club will continue to support ShelterBox, and plans to hold a fundraiser in the future, Meder said.

“Bringing a ShelterBox to Pine-Richland allowed for students to see first hand work that is being done to help individuals all over the globe,” Meder said. “This event brought awareness not just to members of our club, but to all members of the high school community.”