Brittnie Van De Car
Staff Writer
On Monday and Wednesday senior communications major Debbie Allison collected donations in the Campus Center for Pomona Hope, a local non-profit organization that provides after-school programs and other support for families in Pomona.
For her senior project Allison started a campaign called “Change for Pomona,” which involves fundraising and getting the word out about the organization.
“I wanted to do a campaign … that I felt made a big difference in the local community, specifically with kids,” Allison said.
Her work this week involved collecting spare change for Pomona Hope.
Those donating a dollar or more also got a chance to win gift cards to Target, In-N-Out or Chili’s.
“Pomona Hope does amazing things and really needed help increasing their visibility,” Allison said. “I thought that helping them spread awareness of their cause would be the perfect project.”
Pomona Hope is dedicated to working with people of all backgrounds to strengthen Pomona’s children, neighborhoods and families.
Nearly 40 percent of the Pomona adult population has not graduated from high school and 47 percent of students have limited English proficiency, according to the organization’s website.
The Kids After School Program provides homework assistance and customized tutoring for children from first grade through high school.
“I hope to see this campaign become a success, and it looks like it will be,” said Andrea Swann, a senior criminology major who came to donate Wednesday.
During the two-day on-campus campaign, Allison raised $107 for the organization.
“I have two components to my fundraising campaign,” she said. “Change for Pomona, which is reaching out to La Verne students for help, and secondly, reaching out to local businesses,” Allison said.
“I heard what Debbie was doing and thought it is great to see somebody so young helping others,” Megan McDevitt, sophomore history major, said.
Between 2009 and 2010, the average student enrolled in the Kids After School Program showed an increase of 13 percent in showed improvements in their math and language arts skills.
“I would love to continue to work with Pomona Hope after my project is over,” Allison said.
“Either by continuing to offer my help with public outreach or volunteering in any way I can.”
Brittnie Van De Car can be reached at brittnie.vandecar@laverne.edu.
