Students at Middleton High School (MHS) had a new opportunity to spread love this Valentine’s Day with Amnesty International’s candy gram fundraiser. Students were able to buy candy grams online and in-person to send to a special someone. The fundraiser was held Feb. 13-14 in the North Commons during both lunches.
The candy grams, which cost five dollars, were available for pre-order and delivery online. QR codes to the sale form were posted several times on the MHS daily announcements, as well as on posters throughout the school. Students could also purchase them in-person at the booth set up in the North Commons.
All funds from the fundraiser went to Unidos. At unidosus.org, Unidos describes itself as “the largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.” The organization works on many issues affecting Latinx individuals, which include, but are not limited to, political empowerment, access to education and workforce development.
By the end of the fundraiser, Amnesty had raised over $250 for Unidos, according to sophomore Michelle Lee, one of Amnesty’s vice presidents.
“[Candy grams] are a great way to just share how you feel about someone,” said Amelia Kydd, a junior at MHS who bought a candy gram for her girlfriend.
Emily Zuegge, Kydds’ girlfriend and a junior at MHS, shared her positive experience as a recipient of a candy gram.
“[I felt] surprised. Excited. Happy,” she said.
Zuegge hopes that candy grams will continue at MHS, expressing that they are “a good tradition.”
MHS junior Aydin Rosas, did not receive a candy gram, but still liked the idea.
“I felt pretty okay. Me and my girlfriend did stuff outside of school for Valentine’s Day,” Rosas said. He added that candy grams are “a cute kinda concept.”
Rosas also had ideas for the future of similar fundraisers. He advocated for a social media campaign. “Make [candy grams] a fad almost. Like you want to get a candy gram,” he said.
The fundraiser had a positive impact at MHS. Although many students didn’t receive candy grams, few felt bad or left out. Those who did participate in the fundraiser seemed happier for it. Though I didn’t receive a candy gram myself, I hope that similar fundraisers continue at MHS.
