A class at Poplar Bluff High School has raised a projected $1,000 for Project Christmas Promise through a student-led enterprise that has quickly gained popularity across campus.
Pam Davis’ business class started making hot cocoa bombs for the campus community as a way to fundraise to provide Christmas presents for Butler County children in need under AmeriCorps, a long-standing district partner.
“They have worked very hard,” said Davis while overseeing CoCo Express on Friday, Dec. 11. “So many students have now gained an interest in business.”
Three students have been inspired to enroll in entrepreneurship, another semester-long elective, while one senior said he plans to study business in college, according to a quick poll of her business management class.
Davis said she got the idea for the classroom activity from Pinterest. The chocolate bombs contain cocoa and marshmallows, and some include coffee or caramel, designed to fuse once hot milk or water is poured over the chocolate coated shell. The students have been selling the sweets for $5 apiece to classmates during lunch or to staff via an online order form.
The class came up with a business name, held a logo competition, purchased ingredients and packaging supplies, and conducted a product review with teachers prior to Thanksgiving, then began dividing responsibilities to turn out the finished product for an hour each school day.
The plan is to use the proceeds to shop for presents today to help fulfill wish lists as Project Christmas Promise wraps up over the next week. As for the future, the “possibilities are super endless,” commented Davis, noting that the concept may evolve to lemonade bombs in the springtime, or perhaps the students will sell products in a future school spirit store.
As of late last week, 971 children from 358 families were being served by Project Christmas Promise, with 375 still needing to be “adopted,” according to AmeriCorps Program Director Becky Winters. The nonprofit began the service operation in 2008, identifying needs through area school counseling departments, and coordinating donations from organizations and individuals in the community.
To adopt a child or make a donation, contact Winters at [email protected].
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Cutline: Students in Pam Davis’ business management elective make hot chocolate bombs during second hour every day.