Project Sutton is a school-based charity drive with a mission to help provide presents for the students and staff of the Cape Coral High School community. It is named after one of the original members of the Cape High Staff, Anne Sutton, who started the original project out of her classroom in the early 1980’s.
Sutton took note of the students who were in need and took it upon herself to support them with gifts and meal donations throughout the holiday season. Word spread of what she was doing and others wanted to join in. The project has grown more and more each year.
According to Stacey Green, DECA Club Advisor, Project Sutton had been dormant since COVID-19, however, DECA decided during the 2023-2024 school year to take it upon themselves to bring it back to life. “I heard that the Project had somewhat fallen to the wayside during Covid years, and wanted to bring it back. Especially after all the Hurricanes, so many families are having a hard time making ends meet and the Holiday time is a special time to give back,” said Green.
This is going to be DECA Club’s and Green’s second year running this project and last holiday season they lended a helping hand to 16 families. “I loved seeing the involvement and many individuals that want to support our students during their time of need,” stated Green. “I think it really creates a sense of community in the school, knowing we are supporting one another and those who are in need during this time have support from their school.”
Other staff members at Cape high have also reached out to help with this project. One being, Andrew Gascon. Gascon was a part of Project Sutton for about 6 years. Now, the project is fully under Green and he gives time to time suggestions to the students who help run it. “It is a good feeling though when it is all done and you know you have been able to give some help even if it is only for a short time,” said Gascon.
Another member of Cape Highs staff who has helped out with this project is Kelly Seaton, an English Language Arts teacher at Cape High. She tries to teach her students the beauty in giving to others, donating last year to all the families in need. “My students did an amazing job of donating and it brought them such joy to give,” stated Seaton. “I enjoy being involved because I know what it is like to struggle financially, and many people helped me in my time of need. Now, it is my pleasure to be the one that is able to help others and what a better place to start than our own Cape Coral High School family?”
Christmas is a hard time for a lot of people. Project Sutton allows the community to help take off some of the stress from many families all over Cape Coral. This upcoming holiday season Cape High is looking to help more and more families bringing happiness throughout the whole community. There are tons of people who don’t look forward to the holiday season because of financial problems and Project Sutton allows them to feel a bit more jolly.
