Fort Hamilton offers students a wide array of opportunities to give back to the community. Young people facing difficult living conditions, such as homelessness to foster care, is a particularly pressing issue in New York City. It is this issue that Club HALO was created to solve.
Founded by President Laziza Ismatullayeva, Club HALO is a grassroots organization where students can congregate and discuss opportunities to create a positive impact in the lives of those who are less fortunate. Ismatullayeva describes the environment as both inclusive and lighthearted, where the members of the club meet on a weekly basis, finding comfort bonding with each other while working toward a common humanitarian goal.
The club’s advocacy for underserved and vulnerable youth extends through different forms of support, including fundraising and donation events. Club members create various items including bracelets, bookmarks, keychains and personalized cards, each designed to symbolize solidarity with a child in need. Ismatullayeva explained that, when gifted to children, these items help them “know that they aren’t alone during this difficult time.”
The club’s efforts have yielded a considerable impact on the community. The club reports that approximately one hundred children in need have received their support items. The children have responded positively to the empathy from Club HALO and are appreciative of their gifts considering their often overlooked and dire situation.
Ismatullayeva is hopeful in their growth and what that might signal for the future of the club. “Last year, we didn’t have many students,” she admitted. “But this year, we have grown quite large, meaning that our goal to spread awareness is increasing, and we can support more and more children!”
As Club HALO plans for the spring semester, they have been planning new initiatives to further their reach. In March, the club plans to host a coin collection fundraiser in order to incentivize an increase in student donations through gift card prizes. Additionally, they plan to organize a pickleball tournament during the spring season to engage with the broader school community and draw attention to this important cause. Through this combination of creative service and active fundraising, Club HALO continues to build a legacy of empathy at Fort Hamilton.
