By Staff Writer, Dalar Mehrabian

In America, 70 percent of the homeless live in central cities like Los Angeles, 50 percent of the homeless women and children flee from domestic abuse, and 25 percent of the adult homeless population are mentally ill.

This is where the newly founded Helping Hands Club (HHC) comes into play. The purpose of the HHC is to raise money for those in desperate need of help.

            HHC founder and president Amy Drummond (’09) stumbled upon the idea of creating such a club after reading Mike Yankoski’s book, Under the Overpass. Yankoski was a college student who wanted to know what it felt like to be homeless. So, for six months, he and his friend gave up all their worldly possessions. Yankoski summed up the life of a homeless with one word: “invisible.”

            According to Drummond, the club has been designed for those individuals who feel bad for the homeless but are afraid to approach them. Amy decided to provide a way for students to help the homeless in a manner that is “safe and practical.”

             The HHC meets at lunch on the first Monday of every month in room 337 to discuss upcoming events. The club demonstrates the actions that can be taken to help those in need.

            “I think it’s a great way for high school students to become more aware of the needs of the homeless and help them in our community,” Kathleen Drummond, mother of Amy Drummond said.        

            Most people think that giving money to the homeless is a waste because they will most likely use it to purchase drugs. That being an issue, the HHC helps the homeless by providing them with other essentials such as food, blankets, and clothing.

            “My goal is to show the community that Hoover students are generous people who want to make a difference in the world,” Drummond said.

            As President of the club, Drummond controls all meetings, thinks of ideas, informs the members of the dates and times, and makes sure that the money being raised is delivered to the correct location.

            “Amy is very responsible and she knows what she is doing,” Diana Ardaryan (’09) said.

            Drummond mentions that the club’s duty is to improve the living conditions of the homeless by helping them “qualify for jobs and housing.”

            Thanksgiving and Christmas are the best time for donations. The HHC is holding special activities in order to help the homeless. On Nov. 14, they collected cleanliness kits, which consisted of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other items related to personal hygiene. They collected shoeboxes full of toys, candy, books, and other items for Operation Christmas Child, an organization aimed at helping homeless children in Africa, Asia, and North America.

            A canned food drive was also held from Nov.13 through Nov.16 for the Thanksgiving holiday. In December, there will be a toy drive, bake sale, and a gathering of winter cloths and blankets.

            “It is my personal belief that everyone deserves the comfort of a roof over their heads and a good, hot meal,” Drummond said. This is the type philosophy that has inspired Drummond to take action.