His House is a private, non-profit organization that shelters underprivileged and abused children. His House had grown into an organization sheltering hundreds of kids. With 10 kids to a house, the children live with each other as well as with the parents assigned to them.

In December, Varela participated in a school wide drive to bring in toiletries and toys for the children of His House. Erika Galan, a senior who started the drive, was named Varela’s student ambassador for His House.

“My family has been donors for a while and Mrs. Christin gave me the opportunity to start a project at school and I chose His House,” she said.

Homerooms throughout the school brought in items as well as gift cards so the children at His House and their families could buy whatever they needed.

Students at Varela donated over $10,000 in these items and Varela was named “Donor of the Year” for 2006.

Erika, alongside SGA and 2007 class officers, visited His House and received a tour of the homes of His House and also interacted with the children.

Erika has future plans to help these kids. “We hope to continue making donations to His House for many years to come. I’m planning on making trips as part of community service for students to go and visit His House and help out.”

Iris Marrero is the development director at His House and is in charge of organizing events for the children and was the person who gave those students the tour back in December.

“Going to the different houses and seeing the kids was a life changing experience. It made me appreciate everything I have so much more,” said Class of 2007 president, Kayleen Marquez.

Although His House is a private organization, they are often one of the first called when children are abandoned or taken from their homes.

Sadly however, sometimes they are forced to turn away children because of lack of space.

In need of money and supplies for the children and parents, His House accepts donations year round and really provides for the children.

For more information, contact Iris Marrero at imarrero@hhch.org.