Give a Helping Hand!

Florida DECA,

I hope you all have enjoyed your summer and are getting ready for the upcoming school year!  With the start of another school year, means the start of another year with DECA! The four points on the DECA diamond are the guiding principles of what members should take away from this association.  The four are: Community Oriented, Academically Prepared, Experienced Leaders, and Professionally Responsible. As community oriented members, it is important that we all take the time to help out whether it concerns a collection drive, donations, or even a local fundraiser.   It is always a good feeling to know that you took the time to assist those that are less fortunate. 

Also, Team 54 has chosen our Helping Hands Charities and the items that will be collected.  Non-perishable food items will be collected during the fall and spring to help Manna Food Pantries of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.  For the fall conference, peanut butter, jelly, and individual breakfast products will be collected. For the spring conference, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned fruit, and canned dinners will be the items collected.  During the opening and closing sessions of both the spring and Fall conferences, a “miracle minute” inspired collection will occur where all attendees are encouraged to donate $1.00 or more. All the money collected will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Last year, a total of over 26,000 items were collected during both conferences.  I know that this year we will work hard to break that number!  Be sure to plan events and encourage your chapter to start collecting for the fall and spring collections.

Whatever you do this upcoming year, I challenge you to take the time to make a difference, and make it count in your community!