The school’s Peer Assistance Leaders are organizing a water bottle drive to help the homeless community in Los Angeles, Calif. as a way to give back to the community. Held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 29 in collaboration with the USC Street Medicine Initiative, the effort seeks to gather necessary items to assist those in need, such as napkins, packaged utensils, canned food with easy-open tabs and plastic water bottles.

Shyla Mighdoll (12), the president of PALs, explained the idea for the event.

“This year, we wanted to focus more on philanthropy and giving back,” Mighdoll said. “Our objectives were ideally aligned with USC Street Medicine’s, which provides free medical care to the homeless community.”

According to Mighdoll, the drive marks PALs’ shift toward more community-oriented philanthropy projects, where she encourages students to look beyond their campus and engage with the broader Southern California region.

“The homeless are part of our community too,” Mighdoll said. “We want to not only gather supplies, but also educate our peers about the importance of supporting people in need.”

PALs have established a multi-pronged outreach strategy in order to accomplish their goals, according to Mighdoll. Physical messaging coordinator Gabrielle Camargo (12) has arranged posters throughout the campus, while Digital Outreach Coordinator Bradey Taub (12) makes sure the drive appears on Google Classrooms and school-wide posters.

However, the water bottle drive is not without challenges.

“Outreach is always tough,” Mighdoll said. “It’s about tailoring the message to resonate with each person, and that’s not always easy.”

Nevertheless, Faith Schaffer (12), a member of the PALs Outreach Committee, is optimistic. 

“Our goal is to make this something people want to be part of,” Schaffer said. “We’ve already handed out flyers and are planning to release a video explaining the drive. We’re hopeful that a mix of digital and in-person promotions will inspire students to take part.”

Angela Willden, PALs adviser, Honors Chemistry and AP Chemistry teacher, commended the PALs students for their innovation and dedication to community service.

“It’s incredibly important for students to understand the value of community service,” Willden said. “What they’re doing shows that while we’re part of the Torrey Pines community, we’re also part of the larger San Diego and Southern California community.”

Willden emphasized that while her role is to support the students, the drive is a product of their own initiative. 

“This is PALs’ baby,” Willden said. “I’m here to facilitate and help them bring their ideas to life.”

Now that the drive began, Mighdoll and Schaffer are eager to make an impact.

“It’s not just about providing supplies,” Mighdoll said. “It’s about showing that we care and that we’re all part of the same community.”

The PALs water bottle drive will continue through the coming weeks. Students can drop off donations in room nine during fifth period and room 72 at other times. PALs members will personally drop off the collected donations after the deadline, according to Mighdoll.

“Opening your eyes to the needs of people in the real world is how we create real change,” Willden said.