The Harriton Service League enables students to perform many types of community service as part of related clubs such as the Harriton Soup Kitchen, More Than A Visit, and the Ronald McDonald Club. Jared’s Box is one such club, headed by junior Veronica Fenton. We spoke to Veronica to learn more about the group’s mission and operations.

The Harriton Banner: What is Jared’s Box?

Veronica Fenton: Jared’s Box is a community service club that meets three times a year to pack boxes for children with cancer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We pack about 60 boxes of toys at each meeting, consisting of crayons, books, puzzles, and assorted toys for girls and boys.

HB: How and when did Jared’s Box get started at Harriton?

VF: Jared’s Box was started at Harriton about ten years ago. It was started because two students had a brother with cancer and they wanted to start a club that would help sick children.

HB: What do students gain from Jared’s Box?

VF: They gain many benefits. They feel the great feeling of doing service and helping sick children feel better. They also represent our school in a positive way while participating in a very convenient after-school activity.

HB: What are some past accomplishments of Jared’s Box?

VF: A major accomplishment for us was reaching our goal of 180 boxes of toys delivered last year. We are not a board-approved club and for that reason it is very hard to fundraise, so the fact that we were able to afford 180 boxes worth of toys is an amazing accomplishment.

HB: As head of the club, what have you learned from your position?

VF: I have learned a lot. First of all, I have learned that you can get so much more done with a team than by yourself. When I first started running the club, I ran it by myself. This became overwhelming once I got into sophomore year, so we expanded the leadership team to two people. Once we added another person, the club became much better, and I am very thankful for the addition of Carly [Adams, a senior].

I have also learned how to fundraise for a club and that fundraising is extremely hard work. I have a much better understanding of how to raise money and work within the Harriton community. Lastly, being the head of such an amazing service club has taught me that there really is no price on how amazing service is. It is a real honor that at Harriton, we can make such an impact on the cancer patients at CHOP. I am so happy that I get to help make that impact.

HB: To what type of students would you recommend to join Jared’s Box?

VF: The type of student that I would recommend is a kid who wants to make an impact on their community. Also, a person who has never tried service before and wants to see if they like it should definitely come to our meetings. They are very short, but a lot of good is done and they are a great introduction to service.

If you are interested in participating, contact Veronica Fenton and you will be added to the Jared’s Box email list. In addition, you can get a credit for Harriton Service League by showing up at the meeting and signing in.