The Interact club at Cherry Hill East is running its annual chocolate bar sale to raise money for the Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ). CHNJ started in 1989 with a mission to help young people facing homelessness by providing food, clothing, counseling, and housing referrals. As the organization has grown, its free services have expanded to include long-term housing and a safe environment for young people aged 18-24 affected by homelessness and human trafficking. Services are provided to all in need and guided using the five main principles: immediacy, sanctuary, communication, structure, and choice. 

Each year, Interact chooses an organization in the New Jersey area to raise money for. During the summer, current board members suggest organizations to support for the upcoming school year, discuss each organization, and vote on it. Last year, the club raised funds for the Sickle Cell Association of NJ. 

The chocolate bar sales have been very successful since they started in the 2017-2018 school year. Interact club members can get involved in selling chocolate bars by purchasing a whole box of chocolate for $60. Each box has 60 bars, which students sell for one dollar each, so members can get their money back by selling the chocolate. This program works well for the Interact club since Ms. Barr, the Interact club advisor, keeps the boxes of chocolate bars in her office. She thinks the fundraiser is successful because students get something to enjoy while supporting an important cause in the community.  

“I just also like the fact that you’re doing work to raise money rather than going up to people and saying please donate money to my cause,” said Barr. 

There are a variety of chocolate bars to choose from, including caramel, wafer, almond, milk, and dark chocolate bars. It is an easy and direct way to give back to the community, without even leaving school. Ms. Barr’s favorite aspect of the chocolate bar sales is knowing Interact’s contributions directly help people in need and make a difference in the organization’s ability to reach more people. 

Judianna Abrams (’25), the Vice President of the Interact club, has sold 20 boxes of chocolate so far this year and has set her goal at 22 boxes. Carrying the boxes around school every day in addition to her backpack can be a bit of a hassle, but Abrams thinks it is worth the effort. 

“It’s a very rewarding experience even though it’s a lot of work. I would say it makes me really happy to help our school give back and to help everyone at East have a chance to give back to the Covenant House,” said Abrams. 

For Abrams, the candy bar sales are also a fun way for her to meet new people at East while supporting a great cause. Chocolate bars have a way of bringing people together. When she carries a box of chocolate bars around school, new people walk over to purchase them from Abrams. 

“My favorite part of the actual selling is meeting all these new people that I would have never have talked to,” said Abrams. 

Each chocolate bar sold helps Interact club support people in need in the community while offering East students the chance to enjoy a sweet treat during the school day. It is an easy way to make a difference, so when you see a member of the Interact club walking through the hallways with a box of chocolate, be sure to buy a chocolate bar or two!