As part of World Interact Week, the OLSH Interact Club is excited to share a meaningful project that reaches across borders, supporting children in need at orphanages in Ukraine. This initiative, organized by Rotary District 7305, brought together Interact Clubs from across the district, each contributing to provide Christmas gifts for children who have lost their parents in the ongoing conflict.
In the past, OLSH students were encouraged to purchase items independently. However, as Mrs. Karashin, OLSH Vice President for Advancement and moderator of the Interact Club, explained, this year the club wanted to ensure everyone could participate, regardless of financial ability. “Our club is about doing good deeds,” said Mrs. Karashin. “I didn’t want to limit students from feeling a part of this if they couldn’t afford to buy gifts. So, we decided as a club to sponsor four children and use $400 from our treasury to shop together.”
To make this experience possible, Mrs. Karashin coordinated with local stores for support. The manager of Kohl’s in Robinson embraced the project wholeheartedly, helping guide students in selecting the best options for the budget. On a Saturday morning in October, eight Interact students met to carefully shop for these children’s winter essentials. Working with $100 per child, the students paired up, seeking out items on clearance and using coupons to stretch their funds. It was a learning experience that underscored the impact of every dollar spent.
“This experience was eye-opening for our students,” noted Mrs. Karashin. “They realized how challenging it can be to stretch a budget, especially when meeting basic needs. It taught them not only the cost of clothing a child but also valuable lessons in compassion and the realities these children face.”
Lily Hunter, Vice President of the OLSH Interact Club, shared how this project has become especially meaningful to her. “Last year, I shopped on my own to buy gifts for the kids. I want everyone to remember that these children have nothing—no family, no home of their own—so we need to step up and do what we can,” she told fellow members. Lily’s words motivated others to consider how important the project is and inspired a team effort.
On October 17, OLSH students joined others from across the district at the Rotary District 7305 Conference, bringing their gifts to be shipped to Ukraine. A powerful moment came during a live Zoom call with the Ukrainian seminarians who help run the orphanages. With emotion, they shared their gratitude, saying, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” They explained the impact these gifts would have on Christmas morning for children who have lost so much.
Through this project, the OLSH Interact Club members and their peers across the district experienced the true meaning of service—compassion without borders. “It’s moments like this that show the power of empathy and action,” said Mrs. Karashin. “By coming together, our students are reminded of what it means to be global citizens.”