ROCKFORD, Mich., -- Some students at Rockford High School are getting a hands on lesson about the world and the importance of giving back. They're members of the school's "Interact" club, which is focused on ways to help those in need of clean water.
"It's basically community service, so our motto is service before self," explained Kelly Gardner, teacher and coordinator for Interact. "Kids here in Rockford are fortunate and they don't see a lot of the different things that are happening around them. And the kids realize a lot more how they need to help other people, and it makes them feel good to help other people."
Members of the club travel to Dominican Republic every other year to install water filters. This year, Interact has also teamed up with theSamuel Omogo Foundation, a non-profit that installs water wells in Nigeria. The club has raised $5,000 thousand dollars to fund the construction of such a well.
Their efforts are also focused on outreach at home. Members teach water lessons to younger students about the world water crisis, mentor, and volunteer in a number of other ways, including the annual Sweetheart Splash on the Rogue River.
Interact is affiliated with the Rockford Rotary, a longtime service club in the area.
If you'd like to donate to Interact, checks can be written to RHS Interact, 4100 Kroes, c/o Interact, Rockford, MI, 49341.
To follow the group on Facebook, clickhere.