Deer Lakes senior collects, donates school supplies to local communities
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Violet Kirsch wanted to do a community service project that would make a visible impact.
Over the summer, the 17-year-old Deer Lakes High School senior started a community service project called “Color the World Violet,” an effort to donate school supplies to those in need across Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. She was inspired to do a project related to her intended college major, early childhood education.
“Giving back is so important, especially with everything happening with covid. A lot of people don’t realize how much people need,” she said.
Kirsch has donated supplies to seven schools and helped more than 300 kids. She also has given supplies to day cares, shelters and churches, including East Union Presbyterian Church in West Deer, Christ Child Society of Pittsburgh, The Bradley Center in Robinson and Our Lady of the Lakes Parish in West Deer.
“Seeing the kids’ faces when they receive their supplies makes me confident I am doing the right thing,” she said.
The level of success of her project came as a surprise. She has had several organizations reach out. Her first GoFundMe raised $500 to purchase coloring books, notebooks, markers, pencils and more. More than 40 kids came to her back-to-school event in August with The Hungry Cupcake and Poppin Tags Free Store.
“I didn’t think this would go as well as it is,” Kirsch said.
Her mother, Diana, said she is proud of her daughter for starting the initiative.
“We know she has always thought of ways to help people, and this shows her passion and plans,” she said.
The younger Kirsch’s effort came full circle when she reached out to Deer Lakes kindergarten teachers to see if they needed any supplies. She left a bin full of leftover supplies for students in the building.
“I love that she’s from our district, and she is making a difference,” said Joy Strang, a kindergarten teacher at Curtisville Primary Center.
Traci Rich, another kindergarten teacher at Curtisville Primary Center, said she was thrilled when Kirsch reached out.
“We use markers, crayons, paper and other school supplies daily, so I was very excited to support her and have these items donated,” she said.
Kirsch said she would love to continue her project while attending college. Until then, she already is planning for the holiday season and asking for donations of new or gently used reading books.
“I am hoping I can give even more out,” she said.
Those interested in helping Kirsch can contribute to her GoFundMe, called Color the World Violet, or follow Color the World Violet on Facebook and Instagram.