News Photo by Tyler Winowiecki Maj. Kevin Cedervall and Capt. Amy Cedervall of the Salvation Army accept a check from, left to right, RaeAnn Vanderveer and Katelyn Linton of ACES Academy.

ALPENA — ACES Academy’s leadership students helped raise money for the local Salvation Army during the holiday season.

After Michigan State Trooper Ashley Simpson suggested raising money for a local nonprofit, students in Kris Copping’s class began a fundraiser for the Salvation Army that sent them door to door selling baked goods to neighbors and friends.

“The kids wanted to do something that would demonstrate their interest in the community and giving back to the community,” Copping said. “So they batted around a few ideas and this was the one they felt most urgent and pressing.”

RaeAnn Vanderveer, one of the leadership students at ACES, used people at her dad’s work to help her raise money. She said raising this money helps give her a sense of giving back.

“It helps me give back,” she said. “There is so much we get from other people without realizing it.”

The students raised $237 during the fundraiser, which they presented to the Salvation Army Tuesday morning.

Maj. Kevin Cedervall and Capt. Amy Cedervall of the Salvation Army went to the classroom to explain some of the operations the money could be used for.

Kevin Cedervall told the class while Christmas was the busiest time of the year, the Salvation Army works around the calendar to help people in need.

This includes utility assistance to struggling families, a food and toy pantry and a summer at-risk program for 21 selected students who get to learn, play and go on field trips. The two also touched on other programs designed to help others.

The majority of the Salvation Army’s funding for these projects comes from donations such as this one from the leadership students.

Copping said the fundraiser not only gives the students a sense of community but teaches them how they can give back.

“We just want the kids to get a sense of community,” she said. “If they are able, they can also give.”

Tyler Winowiecki can be reached via email at twinowiecki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688. Follow Tyler on Twitter tw_alpenanews. Read his blog, Just a Thought … at www.thealpenanews.com.

News Photo by Tyler Winowiecki
Maj. Kevin Cedervall and Capt. Amy Cedervall of the Salvation Army accept a check from, left to right, RaeAnn Vanderveer and Katelyn Linton of ACES Academy.