From Donuts to Donations: A Recipe for Student Engagement. Written by New Vista CAP Instructor Lori Powell.
As the Fall CAP class at New Vista High School wrapped up, students shifted from learning about environmental issues to taking action. After brainstorming a range of ideas—from wildfires and floods to sustainable agriculture and water use—one topic stood out: fast fashion.
Many students were surprised to learn just how harmful the clothing industry can be to the planet. To dive deeper, each student researched and presented a “personal passion project,” pitching ideas that could make a real difference. The class ultimately voted to tackle fast fashion head-on, planning both an educational presentation for the school and a hands-on clothing swap to encourage reuse and reduce waste.
To prepare, students learned upcycling and repair skills through workshops on natural dyeing and mending. Using dyes made from items such as beet scraps, onion peels, and cabbage, they experimented with colors and tie-dye techniques, transforming thrifted t-shirts into unique creations—some to keep, others to donate.
Promotion for the swap became its own creative challenge. Rather than just printing flyers, students decided to make fashion the message—displaying thrifted statement pieces like a fuzzy leopard-print cardigan and a Will Smith holiday sweatshirt on a clothing rack to draw attention.
At first, donations were slow to arrive. So, the class sweetened the deal with a “Donuts for Donations” challenge: the Advisory that brought in the most clothes would win donuts on Halloween. The result? A flood of contributions—including one student who donated 76 (or was it 67?!) items!
The clothing swap was a hit, with students excitedly finding new-to-them treasures. Encouraged by the turnout, the class secured permission to keep the display up longer and even inspired the Student Council to consider taking the project forward. Whether or not the donut incentive sticks around, the spirit of reusing, repurposing, and rethinking fashion has taken root at New Vista—proof that small actions can spark lasting change.
A big thanks to the funders and supporters that make the CAP class possible, including: Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, PeyBack Foundation, Strear Family Foundation, Thorne Nature Experience, Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
If you’re also passionate about helping students take action to make change in their communities, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
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