Student sponsors relief effort for Haiti

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

Krupa Patel of Wytheville is asking everyone to “Have a Heart for Haiti.” The George Wythe High School senior is conducting a fundraising campaign to help the victims of January’s catastrophic earthquake.
While the competition this week is for all seventh period classes at her school, local businesses and area residents may participate, too. They may leave their donations at the collection box in the office at GWHS.
“All the money will be donated to Red Cross International,” remarked Patel, vice president of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). “I want to raise as much money as possible.”
The class collecting the most money by Friday, March 5, will be treated to an ice cream sundae party courtesy of Patel and the FBLA. Students in the various classes have been inspired by Patel’s large handmade banners announcing the campaign.
“This is a small community,” Patel noted, “but we’re kind in giving. On the news, we see people starving and dying there and they lack supplies, too. The Red Cross can use any amount to buy food and shelter. They need help and they need it right now.”
The campaign is Patel’s service project for the FBLA, too. It provides her with the opportunity to involve the community in helping others.
Patel also is secretary of the New River Region Society of the FBLA. She was elected to the office by her peers in the region.
Born in England but coming to Wytheville at a young age, she is the daughter of Ken and Joy Patel, owners of the Travel Lite Motel in Wytheville. She has a sister, Priya Patel.
With relatives in England and India, Patel has traveled to both countries several times. She prefers living in America.
“I guess I picked up helping people from my parents,” Patel commented. “They work with the churches in Wytheville to provide free rooms and discounts for people who get stranded here.”
At GWHS, she is president of the Career Club and vice president of the Interact Club. Patel is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Council Assoc.
After graduating in June, she plans to attend college and earn a bachelor’s degree. Patel hasn’t decided where she will go or what her major will be yet.
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or wquesenberry@wythenews.com.