‘Providing vital support’: Thousand Islands Secondary School’s Treasure Chest receives over $11K donation
Brockville’s Thousand Islands Secondary School’s Treasure Chest was the recent beneficiary of a significant donation from the Thousand Islands chapter of 100 Women Who Care.
TISS’s Treasure Chest is a student-led initiative that provides essential resources such as food, clothing, and hygiene products to students who need it. The group started last year as a response to students’ concerns about poverty and lack of access to basic necessities within their community. One Grade 10 English class was inspired by the novel Tex, which tells of two brothers living in poverty. Realizing that some of their peers could be facing similar challenges, the students decided to take action.
In February 2024, a group of students, accompanied by organizing teacher Kelleyanne Mackenzie, first pitched the Treasure Chest program to the 100 Women Who Care chapter. Although they were not successful at that time, the lasting impact of their presentation earned the Treasure Chest another opportunity to pitch this semester. In early September, Mackenzie returned by herself to represent the program, as it was too early in the semester for the students to attend. Her compelling presentation, rooted in the original student-led pitch, led to the selection of the Treasure Chest as this section’s grant recipient.
The donation will allow the Treasure Chest to expand its services, restocking shelves with food, clothing, and hygiene products, and maintaining the hot lunch program.
“This donation ensures our program can continue providing vital support to students,” said Mackenzie Lennox, Grade 12 student and Treasure Chest volunteer. “It’s really important that everyone feels included and has access to what they need.”
“I’m so appreciative and grateful that this opportunity came from the students,” TISS principal Laura Oliver stated. “They needed a teacher to make it happen, and Ms. Mackenzie made that possible. Our board’s mission is to prepare students for a successful life, but these students are already living it. They’re making a great contribution, not just to the school but to the community beyond. Volunteering is a lifelong activity, and giving back feels just as good as when someone gives to you.”
Since receiving the grant, the Treasure Chest has grown significantly, with students volunteering their time during lunch, after school and on weekends to manage the program. From hot lunches to everyday access to fresh fruit and snacks, the Treasure Chest provides a welcoming space for students to receive the help they need.
In addition to serving the TISS community, the Treasure Chest also supports Connect Youth Inc. by donating excess food and essentials, extending their impact beyond the school.