In the weeks since the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti Jan. 12, Catholic school students throughout the diocese have been doing their part to help their brothers and sisters in need, putting their creative energies to work coming up with unique and effective ways to make a difference.

One particularly creative project is underway in Trenton Catholic Academy at McCorristin Campus, Hamilton, with the “Houses for Haiti” project. Students from grades Pre-K through 12 are creating beautiful house-themed pins and magnets from leftover art supplies. All proceeds from sales will go to relief efforts in Haiti.

The project was initiated by Upper School art teacher, Tricia Hutman.

“The families of several students were directly affected by the earthquake in Haiti,” said Hutman. “Our students were looking for active ways to help besides just collecting money.

I discussed the idea with the art teacher in the Lower School and then we asked the students. The response was tremendous.”

TCA student Jihane Jean-Pierre, who has already made a few dozen of the house pins, has a grandmother, aunt and three cousins who were in Port-au-Prince at the time of the earthquake.

“They got out of their house just before it collapsed,” said Jean-Pierre.

“Thankfully, they’re safe now and living with other relatives in the Dominican Republic.” The houses are created from two pieces of leftover mat board – one square for the house and one triangle for the roof. After the students painted designs, an enamel coating was applied to give rigidity and the illusion of shiny stone or porcelain. Students put their full creative juices to work in creating each unique design. While many are house-themed, others have interesting patterns on them, such as mosaics, tiger or zebra stripes, and even a cow print. Many have the word “Haiti” painted on them.

The pins or magnets are placed in plastic bags for sale. A card on the bag contains a Prayer for Haiti and a mention that the items were handmade by a TCA student.

“It’s great to be part of this project and to actively do something that helps the people of Haiti,” said JeanPierre. “Many teachers and students bought pins and are wearing them.

They serve as a visible reminder that assistance is still needed in Haiti.”

Hutman noted that in just a few days, more than 100 pieces were created and that the school is searching for retail outlets in the Hamilton Township area that would possibly consider helping to sell the items.

“The students created truly beautiful pieces,” she said. “The designs are similar to what you would see in boutique clothing and accessory stores. They’re sure to be a conversation starter, which will just bring more visibility to the need for assistance in Haiti.”