The enticing aroma of chocolate permeated the hallways at Hanby Elementary School on February 8 as fifth grade students and adult volunteers made candy clusters to fill orders for their philanthropic Chocolate Paradise Company. The service-learning economics unit had pupils engaging in market research, advertising, production, and distribution.
Hanby families preordered chocolates and all profits from the company go to three service organizations which serve the homeless in the Columbus metropolitan area. The students visit two of the social service organizations – Homeless Families Foundation and Community Kitchen – and are visited by a representative of the YWCA Family Center. These visits facilitate lessons and discussions about homelessness.