Whitnall H.S. students help out at Milwaukee health center



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It took Whitnall High School AP Spanish students all of 15 minutes to bring dozens of donations into the 16th Street Community Health Center. The items, including diapers, shampoo, and food, will become part of the Stork's Nest program. The donations will last the center about two months.

“There is no way that could manage without the visit yearly from Whitnall High School,” said Laura Vargas, the manager of Parenting Resource Center.

But the day the students brought the donations in was about more than just delivering the items -- it allowed the students to interact with the families who use the items. The parents shared their traditions and cultures with the students. The students were able to ask questions, practice their Spanish, and share their own traditions.

But perhaps the most important lesson is what they each took away from the experience:

“I think it’s a really nice way to break the barrier between cultures, because sometimes we think oh I don't know how to get along with other people, but if you don't try how do you know how to communicate and socialize with other people,” said Esmeralda Perez, a parent who has used the center.

“I was actually pretty nervous at first because I wasn’t sure how I was going to respond to the native speakers, but I'm having fun. It's really rewarding being able to talk to them and learn their traditions,” said Whitnall High School student Tori Martino, “There are so many other people you should learn about. It kind of enriches your life.”