Project WCD? (Why Choose Drugs)

I felt obligated to spread the awareness that everyone can 'stand out' in some way by choosing a drug free life, but also advocate the importance of getting substance abuse help before it's too late. I decided to create a fundraiser in which I could sell t-shirts and the proceeds would go directly to the closest teen rehab facility. For my shirts, I thought that tie dye would be appropriate because it's colorful and draws attention. I then printed the saying "I STAND OUT" them to complete the look. I spent countless hours in my kitchen tie dying shirts by hand until before I knew it, I was creating nearly 200 shirts on my own. I began to sell my shirts at my high school and noticed how quickly they sold. Being only a freshman, I was surprised at the amount of support I received from the entire school. Before I knew it, not only teachers and students were buying my shirts, but strangers, pastors, family members, government officials, and others. I received many gracious donations from people who supported my cause and finally, once all of the shirts were sold, I counted the money. I raised $1,560.00 total for just begining and immediately sent the money to the teen rehab I found, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, known as Teen Challenge's New Hope Academy. I have received fantastic feedback from everyone who has contributed to my project as well as people that it affected. Most importantly, I received a positive response from the New Hope Academy and the staff and teenagers residing there.