Empire Public Schools raised $1,500 during its inaugural week of philanthropy.
Empire High School Student Council hosted its “Being Active Raising Kindness” Week, Feb. 8-15, and donated funds to the Empire Volunteer Fire Department.
Empire Student Council Adviser Tammy Skiles said the process began in July 2023 with officers choosing recipients. She said this started the planning process for the philanthropy week.
The Student Council chose the acronym BARK, because its mascot is a bulldog.
“Our official week started Feb, 8-15, but our blood drive to raise the first $555 was in December,” she said.
Senior Cailyn Webb said that for the first year, the week went well.
“I loved how everyone stepped up to help and participate,” Webb said.
With help from surrounding community, Skiles said the Oklahoma Blood Institute helped students raise the first part of the funds through their Greater Good program.
“Coaches Corner opened an online store that raised $80.90 in T-shirt sales,” she said. “El Palacio donated $200.”
Other fundraising activities included a second blood drive, Feb. 8, and babysitting for elementary parents, as well as pancakes, doughnuts and other sweet treats.
She said they ended the week with a RoShamBo tournament, Feb. 14, and they reached their goal of $1,500.
The BARK week ended with its reveal ceremony Feb. 15.
“We were motivated to choose the fire department because of the late Kevin Bilbrey,” she said. “Kevin was a long-time member of the Empire community who was an Empire volunteer at the fire department. He loved being with his guys and fighting fires.”
Skiles described Bilbrey as a “godly man and an example for our students.”
With the fire department adjacent to the school, Skiles said it continues to assist EPS.
“My students said they felt accomplished and it felt really good to give back to the community, and not just raising money for themselves,” she said. “We were so excited to do this and cannot wait to have another one next year.”
Audra Brewer said the students enjoyed hosting their first philanthropy week.
“It felt really good to do something for our community,” she said.
Carson Skiles echoed the sentiment.
“It was a fun time and I am excited for next year,” Skiles said.
