Cookies for a Cause Fairbanks students bake for the homeless 18 July 2010

Ciara Fuson, Jessica Hatcher, and Kaitlyn Allman, officers of the Fairbanks Middle School FCCLA turn in their donation to Shari Marsh, United Way Executive Director. A five-month bake sale turned into a big fundraiser for a Fairbanks Middle School student group. The Family Career & Community Leaders of America not only raised a whopping $673 by taking orders and selling their cookies. But they also learned about a real issue facing Union County families. Ruth Budd (right), advisor of the Fairbanks Middle School FCCLA helped her students learn the reality of rural homelessness in Union County this year during a five-month bake sale to raise money for the Marion Shelter Program. "Before the project, I did not know that there was homelessness in Union County or people who are on the brink of homelessness," said Ciara Fuson, the club's Treasurer. Last week, the group stopped by to turn in their proceeds, designatng them to the Marion Shelter Program, a United Way Member Agency that serves the homeless population of Union County. 27 individuals from our community used the shelter in 2009. Through the first half of 2010, five Union County residents have needed the shelter's services. "I learned that the Marion Shelter helps you save money," said Jessica Hatcher, the FCCLA President. "They help you get a job. And you can only stay for a certain amount of time. They help you get back on your feet." The class used stories featured on United Way's website as a part of their research about the issue.