Local high school student helps children and families across the first state with pop-up thrift shop
GEORGETOWN, Del. – One high school student’s dedication to community service is helping children and families across Delaware.
Adelle Leebel is a student and lacrosse player at Sussex Academy High school, and now she’s adding community advocates to that list. ”
It just makes me feel good to know that you are helping people and especially in this unique way,” says A. Leebel.
A. Leebel, her family, and friends say they want to bring Sussex Academy’s community service to a whole new level. “It’s not like a school project, it’s not like some sort of extracurricular, it’s just getting you involved in your community it’s taking you outside of your comfort zone it’s putting you out there,” she says.
We’re told A. Leebel organized a pop-up shop fundraiser that benefits the Children and Families First organization of Delaware (CFF). Community members could stop by Sussex Academy High School, grab a bag, and shop for clothes, shoes, and accessories, which were donated by students and families, for just $1 per pound.
“There’s no better way to sort of support the community and also support an organization than doing an event like this where it serves both purposes,” says Kathleen Leebel, Adelle’s mother and a member of the school’s outreach committee.
K. Leebel says her daughter and her friends dedicated many Saturdays to putting the event together, which gave them a real hands-on experience when it comes to organizing events and community service. “She really does care about the community the environment,” says K. Leebel. She adds, “Our family is so proud of Adelle for not only this initiative but all of her initiatives that she’s involved in.”
A representative for CFF tells 47 ABC, they’re happy to have Adelle’s support, as they help children and families facing adversity. “Instead of hanging out at a mall or somewhere else, she was out collecting items from the community and folding and organizing and she’s truly inspiring,” says Steff DeMartine, Event Coordinator for CFF Delaware. She adds, “As she goes on to be an adult, she’s going to make a huge difference in the community down in Sussex or wherever she ends up.”
A. Leebel also tells us, she hopes other students can take advantage of these kinds of opportunities. “Your meeting people, you’re making connections, and you’re making a difference so I think it really does add to your high school experience.” A. Leebel adds, “This is something that I wanted to do, I’d like to see it come to life and to see people actually here, and to know so many people have been supporting me and helping me along the way has just meant a lot to me.”
A. Leebel and her mother say they hope the pop-up thrift shop becomes an annual event, each year helping a different community organization.
The event also featured light refreshments that benefited the class of 2023 at Sussex Academy.
If you want to learn more about Children and Families First or how you can donate, just visit their website.
