Teachers, staff, and students at Centennial Arts Academy recently participated in an awareness campaign with the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County and Habitat for Humanity called "The Little Black Dress Initiative". Throughout the week of February 15, everyone wore the same black outfit for the entire week.
Members of the league as well as many members of the community wore the same black outfit for a week to raise public awareness about poverty and its impact on Gainesville-Hall County. Statistics show that 32% of Gainesville residents live in poverty, and in Hall County a staggering 62% of our school-aged children are economically disadvantaged.
The highlight of the campaign was the joint collaboration between the Junior League and Centennial Arts Academy which included a clothing drive and food distribution at the school held on February 20.
Randi Moore, a second grade teacher at Centennial, coordinated the Little Black Dress Initiative and "blackout" at the school. She also organized the school's clothing drive and food distribution.
"I am very happy to announce that we gave away 40 boxes of food and had a good turnout at our clothing drive. Not only did families get a box of food and clothes, but each child received a book!" Moore said.
She said she was also quite pleased with the donations generated and with the huge support shown by the community, adding, "The total amount raised in donations was $540. All proceeds will go directly to the Habitat for Humanity. Thank you to all who participated and volunteered. I greatly appreciate it!"
