In a normal year the Show Choir students would go around to different neighborhoods to sing many different Christmas classics to raise money for the Hearth Shelter. The Hearth Shelter is located in Pittsburgh, and their mission is to provide a range of supportive services and housing that empowers homeless families, who are survivors of domestic violence or other trauma to become independent, self-sufficient, and adequately housed; to foster low income housing opportunities to prevent homelessness and encourage safe, affordable housing. 

     “It’s important to help the Hearth Shelter so that the children and families get to have a good Christmas just like the rest of us,” said Show Choir President Aria Lauritzen.

     Although this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Show Choir was not able to have their traditional caroling setting, it did not stop them from raising money. Originally, the Show Choir was planning on holding a drive through at the Norwin High School parking lot where 16 groups made up of 4-6 select choir students would sing different songs in their individual pods. This event was set to take place Dec 4, from 6pm-8pm, but the high school closed down for the week following Thanksgiving break. School closure resulted in the Caroling Drive through to be shut down as well.

     “Initially I was very upset that we couldn’t have our drive through caroling event, but I understood with the rising cases in our area it was the safest option,” said Choral Manager Kassidy Scalise. “I was worried that we wouldn’t be able to raise money for the women and children at Hearth and that we wouldn’t be able to give the kids a somewhat normal Christmas. We figured out a way to raise money for the families at Hearth and did it the safest way we could with virtual donations. I believe that we made the best decision by canceling the event and taking the cautious route that avoided the potential spread of cases.”

     Even after this set back the Show Choir didn’t give up, but rather they found a way to still raise money for the cause. 

     “Each year we have held a caroling event the first Sunday of December, where our Show Choir members carol house to house singing Christmas songs,” said Show Choir Vice President Abbie Thompson. “ These donations went to the Hearth shelter, however, this year we had the challenge of trying to raise money safely during Covid-19. After trialing with many options we decided that the safest and most effective way [to raise money] was to do an online fundraiser where the community can donate from home.” 

     They started a Go Fund Me page where all the donations would go to the Hearth Shelter. The original goal was to raise $2,000 in 24 hours, which is a goal they far exceed. With the community’s help by the end of the week the Show Choir was able to raise $3,760 for the Hearth! 

     “I am so happy with how the fundraiser turned out,” said Thompson. “I was very nervous that it wouldn’t be successful. It makes me so grateful knowing that even when we couldn’t perform and have our normal year that we were at least able to help in a small donation!