Appalachian State University’s Child Advocacy Club chose the Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory Program last fall as the recipient of their fundraising efforts for the 2021-2022 academic year. The $2,500 funds assisted families who needed support with paying tuition.
The club officers - Kenyon Wills, president; Caitlyn Moore, event coordinator; and Abby Rosey, public relations chair - presented the check to Lucy Brock staff and students on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
The club held several fundraisers throughout the year, such as t-shirt sales, lemonade sales, a Valentine’s Day donut sale, and two band concerts at Ransom.
“In order to help the kids in our community, we have to lead by example and help out our peers, too,” said Wills, a senior elementary education major from Asheville, North Carolina. “Concerts and community-building activities help our club members to be more engaged in the community and help support other students.”
She added, “All of this is done while being able to raise money for childcare which is a beautiful thing.”
Club officers Kenyon Wills, Caitlyn Moore, and Abby Rowsey present the check to Lucy Brock's director, Dr. Andrea Anderson. Photo submitted.
Lucy Brock serves as a model and professional preparation site for individuals working with young children. Lucy Brock has a site on-campus and three collaboration pre-K classrooms at Blowing Rock, Cove Creek, and Parkway Schools.
Open to all students, the Child Advocacy Club advocates for children in the High Country by helping out with the local Children's Council, foster care, and more. Additionally, the club incorporates professional development opportunities during the meetings, allowing members to hear from guest speakers and learn how to better build community.
“This club is a great way to get volunteer hours, help engage in your community, build a connection with child care centers and non-profits,” noted Wills. “The satisfaction of helping the members of our community, while helping yourself towards some graduation requirements!”
“The mission of the club is to advocate for children and families in our community by finding a need and then supporting that need,” said Rhonda Russell, senior lecturer in the Department of Family and Child Studies and faculty advisor for the club. “Once the club members became aware of the need at Lucy Brock, they immediately began to plan fundraising opportunities.”
“They are an inspiration of what true advocacy looks like,” she added.
Club officers Kenyon Wills, Caitlyn Moore, and Abby Rowsey present the check to Lucy Brock's director, Dr. Andrea Anderson.
