Student Service Project Shines a Light in St Pete
Source/Author: Raffi Darrow, Ebytes Editor
November 18, 2021
With her uniquely labeled custom candles and a passion for helping others, Shorecrest fourth grader Alessandra N. ‘30 has launched a social entrepreneurship venture that will help make the holidays a little brighter for local at-risk children.
Alessandra partnered with a family friend who makes handmade candles and offered to provide them to her at cost. Alessandra invested in over 100 candles that she labels with her own custom design. She has sold over 60 candles at $25/ea and raised over $1,200 in sales in just over two weeks.
Her brown sugar icing scented candles embellished with labels that read, “Shine your light St Pete: This candle burns for local nonprofits” nearly sold out at a recent 100 Women Who Care St. Petersburg meeting. The 100 Women group helps support youth projects in the community, and the meeting Alessandra attended benefited Girls Rock St. Pete mentorship and music and programs.
With the proceeds Alessandra plans to buy gifts for children in need through Reach St. Pete - a local nonprofit that provides free resources to prevent and alleviate homelessness, low-income, and at-risk situations. Alessandra is looking forward to getting friends together to spend the money she has raised and fill shopping carts with items on the Reach St. Pete holiday wish list.
Alessandra plans to sell candles at one more event this season - a Christmas tree lighting in Tierra Verde on December 3.
Service Learning at Shorecrest establishes an early sense of responsibility in young students and teaches why it is important to support local, charitable organizations.
