Volleyball Champions at Fort Settlement Middle School

Fort Settlement PALS Making Home Improvements

All year, Fort Settlement Middle School PALs have been planning, raising money, and working to make life better for the abused and neglected children of Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos. As part of Fort Bend's Youth In Philanthropy program, Fort Settlement PALs are the first middle school group to participate. Their Chick-fil-A calendar sale earned them $900, which was used to purchase fleece to make blankets for each child at Casa de Esperanza. Additionally, PALs have given birthday and seasonal parties complete with food, games and gifts for these children. Their primary mission is to decorate the children's bedrooms. State Farm Broker, John Bowers, expressed interest in helping the PALs attain their goals. After the students made a presentation (outlining the history of Casa de Esperanza, and the accomplishments and goals of PALs) to Bowers, he matched their fundraising amount of $900! With much delight, students went to work immediately! They have each been assigned to either the nursery, girl's room or boy's room and were given a budget. They are performing extensive cleaning before painting walls and murals, installing mini blinds and window treatments and providing new sheets and comforters! Needless to say, there is much pleasure and satisfaction being felt by all! Since spending so much time at the foster home, the PAL students have set a new goal of replacing the deteriorated carpet with a type of linoleum flooring. While linoleum may not be as comfortable as carpet, the students realize it will be easier to keep clean and less allergenic. PALs are hoping the revenue earned from their Valentine Party and Dance will supply them with the money to make this happen! If not, they will solicit in-kind donations, discounts or cash from area merchants or community citizens.