Club Profiles Cont.
Staying at home during COVID can be pretty isolating. One way to combat that would be to join a club. In a club, you can find people with the same interests and make new friends. If you don’t see a club you like in this article, check out my previous club article to find a way to get involved.
Also, to find zoom links for club meetings, go to the San Marcos website and click on Campus Life>Clubs. https://thekingspage.com/2020/11/06/club-profiles/.
HomeForUs Club
Club founders Itzel Segundo and Alondra Hernandez Ascencio were researching in English class and were struck by the story of a friend who almost became homeless, and the conditions the homeless population have to face. Many lack the means to buy warm winter clothes and shoes. This year, the HomeForUs Club hopes to change that. They aim to spread the holiday spirit by holding a winter clothes drive to then donate to the homeless. It is really important to give back to the community, especially in this year when so many people were financially impacted by COVID-19. If you have old sweaters, sweatpants, coats, or any warm clothes you have outgrown that are still in good shape, consider donating to this worthy cause. The coat drive will be held December 18th from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at the Santa Barbara Mission. Look out for a red and blue balloon, and you will find them. Check out the flyer below for more information, or pop into one of their meetings (held Thursdays at 12:00) to learn other ways you can help.
Bridging the Gap Club
Imagine you are stuck in a nursing home unable to see anyone, not even family, completely isolated due to the pandemic, and lonely. This is a harsh reality a lot of our senior population has to face this year. This is where the Bridging the Gap club steps in. They aim to connect seniors with highschoolers to build empathy, understanding, and meaningful relationships. “I started this club and organization because I have noticed that the senior community greatly enjoys making connections and they are all incredibly interested in hearing from younger perspectives,” club founder, junior Haley Buttimer says. Senior residents and youth will work together to do service projects that benefit the community and make connections with each other. To allow for more of a personal connection, one youth will be paired with one senior. Meetings are held every other Monday at 11:45 am starting next semester, attend one of them to learn more.
American Cancer Society Club
In 2019, more than 9.5 million people around the world died from cancer. This is a very devastating disease that has affected a lot of families and individuals around the world. There are so many different forms and diagnoses, some that are extremely rare. The American Cancer Society is a great organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. The San Marcos club is not sanctioned by the society, but raises money to benefit it. Anali Ramirez, club president said, “I am incredibly passionate about cancer and cancer research, so I figured this would be a great way to put my interest to use.” The American Cancer Society Club is raising funds and awareness for this cause by holding fundraisers each month. October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the club held a fundraiser selling wristbands in benefit of the cancer. They raised over $375 to be donated! In meetings you can expect to learn about the “Cancer of the Month” and meet others who care about making a difference. Pop into one of their meetings every other Friday from 11:45-12:15 to check it out for yourself.
Black Student Union (BSU)
Systematic racism is a big problem in our country, with that a lot of attention has been brought back to the Black Lives Matter movement. The Black Student Union is a safe space for all people, no matter what race, to learn new things and support the black community. Last year, when the club was formed, people realized that there was not a BSU at SM, and wanted to form one. “At our meetings we discuss something new each time; these topics can include racism in our community, Local Black Owned Businesses, Historical Black Figures and/or Allies,” says club president senior Talia Hamilton. In non-COVID times, the BSU would be holding fundraisers, but this year safety is so important, so the plans may not happen. Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month starting at 11:45. To learn more, and support them, pop in one of the meetings to have a good time.
Sustainable Future Club
Climate change, commonly shown in the melting ice caps, increasing temperatures, and degradation of the environment, is a big issue in our world. “Sustainable Future Club is a place for students to come together and work to fight our climate crisis through personal and local measures,” says senior club co-president Maddie Braniff. They do many projects to raise awareness, such as making compost bins to go in classrooms around the campus. Because of COVID, it is hard to find projects to work on, but they are reaching out to the community and trying to educate people about the small ways to make change in our lives. So, check out the club to find more ways to help, and get involved in the battle against climate change! Meetings will be on the first Wednesday of the month from 11:45-12:15. Join to learn more.
