Compassion in Action

Student-Led Can Drive Supports Melody House in Jamaica

Students recently organized a student-led can drive to raise funds for Melody House, a residential school and transitional home for girls in Jamaica impacted by hurricane damage. The initiative was spearheaded by student Zoe M., with guidance and support from English Teacher Jessica Geary, and included participation from several other students, including Liam J., Zina A., Owen C., and Nox B. Through their collective effort, and additional generosity from the Eagle Hill School community, the group raised just over $120 to support Melody House’s recovery.

Through their collective effort, and additional generosity from the Eagle Hill School community, the group raised just over $120 to support Melody House’s recovery.

The project was inspired by Zoe after she visited Melody House with her mother following the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. During the visit, Zoe listened to the girls’ stories, saw the destruction left behind by the storm, and witnessed the emotional toll it had taken on their daily lives. She and her mother brought donations to the girls, including books, games, and small gifts. Zoe recalled being deeply moved as their faces lit up with excitement and gratitude. Seeing the damage firsthand, including losses to infrastructure, livestock, and essential systems, inspired her to take action.

After returning from Thanksgiving Break, Zoe worked with Mrs. Geary and fellow students to determine the most effective way to give back to Melody House. The group considered several approaches, including collecting physical supplies, but they quickly recognized the logistical challenges of transporting items internationally. Wanting to ensure their efforts were both sustainable and respectful of the school community, they decided on a can drive—allowing students to earn the money through hands-on work, while turning simple recyclables into meaningful impact, rather than relying solely on direct monetary donations.

On the day of the drive, students worked together at a local bottle redemption center, quickly developing an efficient system for sorting, transporting, and redeeming cans. They rotated roles, problem-solved when machines malfunctioned, and kept the process moving smoothly. Mrs. Geary’s husband, EHS College Counselor Jed Geary also joined the group, helping guide the students and ensuring everything ran efficiently. Community support played a key role in the drive’s success, including a cash donation from a faculty member and contributions from Eagle Hill School faculty and staff who donated bags of cans. Also, there was a thoughtful citizen who donated his cans at the redemption center once he learned of the students’ goal. For many students, it was their first experience using bottle redemption as a fundraising tool, making the success of the effort even more meaningful. The day was filled with laughter and teamwork, reinforcing the idea that giving back can be both impactful and joyful.

Funds raised through the can drive will directly support Melody House’s recovery efforts, including restocking chickens lost during the hurricane, repairing damaged systems within the residence, and supporting the development of a transitional home for young women aging out of the original program.

By connecting personal experience to action, students were challenged to recognize how individual choices, no matter how small, can influence broader communities.

The experience also reflected Eagle Hill’s CORE value of Purpose, encouraging students to think beyond themselves and consider their role in the larger world. As Mrs. Geary explained, projects like this help students move from an “inner sphere” of awareness to outward action, asking, “How can I take ownership of my own role in the world, and how can that translate into something meaningful and impactful for the world around me?” By connecting personal experience to action, students were challenged to recognize how individual choices, no matter how small, can influence broader communities.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy to see what I could do for the community back at home.” Zoe M.

Students shared that the project deepened their sense of empathy and responsibility. Zoe reflected on the experience, saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy to see what I could do for the community back at home.” Liam echoed those sentiments with a simple but powerful statement: “Anything for my island,” emphasizing gratitude and the importance of giving back. Together, their efforts demonstrate how student-led service can transform compassion into action, both locally and globally. Through student leadership, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose, the campaign showed how lasting change can begin with a single idea and the willingness to act on it.

To learn more about Melody House and ways to support their mission, visit their website.

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