By ELANA KANE
Three Jericho High School students decided to get involved in helping those in need during this pandemic by starting the Jericho Red Cross Club.
Jericho High School seniors Harrison Kane, Yana Gupta, and Pooja Trehan wanted to do something that would not only help the community but also provide a club in which students could earn community service hours. They took matters into their own hands and founded the Jericho Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Sophomore Allie L. joined the Jericho Red Cross Club last year and said, “It provides me with a stress-free environment where I can also have fun at events like soliciting for important Red Cross relief causes.”
The increased level of interest by new club members paralleled the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the club with over 100 volunteers. One of the most unique aspects of this club is that students from other high schools in the area can participate as well because the Jericho Red Cross Club is an outside of school club.
Jericho Red Cross Club members solicit outside of Grace’s Marketplace to raise money for the American Red Cross Home Fire Prevention Campaign.
Some of the initiatives that the Red Cross Club members have already taken include: creating first aid kits, documenting emergency escape plans, planning for disaster assistance, writing thank you cards to health care workers and first responders, and creating a mental health brochure specifically designed for students dealing with pandemic stress.
Sophomore Emerson C. joined the Jericho Red Cross Club last year. “Volunteering with the Jericho Red Cross Club and being able to help give back warms my heart. In addition, doing projects that are helpful in case of emergencies, like making a fire escape plan for my house, makes me feel safer and more prepared,” she said.
She added, “The club also gives me an opportunity to learn about important current relief causes and how I can help.”
The Jericho Red Cross Club is currently planning new volunteer opportunities which can be held in person, including events such as beach and park clean ups. The club has been successful, raising over $1,000 for the American Red Cross Home Fire Prevention Campaign after one day of soliciting.
Club co-founder Pooja Trehan said, “In March 2020, when COVID first started, I wanted to create a way to help spread joy in our community by giving back. Now, about a year later, I have done so by helping to create the Jericho Red Cross Club.”
For more information on how to join the Jericho Red Cross Club, email jerichoredcrossclub@gmail.com and check out @jerichoredcross on Instagram to stay updated on new ways to give back to the community.
Disclaimer: Club co-founder Harrison Kane is the brother of the reporter.