At the Franciscan School, generosity often begins with something as simple as a dollar. Through the Student Council-sponsored Dollar Dress Out Days, students have turned small acts of giving into meaningful support for organizations making a difference both locally and beyond. Each month, students donate a dollar or more for the chance to dress out of uniform, and together those small gifts add up to a big impact.
Leading the way are our Student Council “Charity Chairs,” elected members who brainstorm, research, and share organizations throughout the year. It is then taken to a vote for which group to support for each Dollar Dress Out Day. Depending on the month, students may choose a charity that connects to a special cause or awareness effort. For example, in May 2024, TFS supported the Helene Foundation in honor of Mother’s Day.
Over the years, students have directed funds to a wide range of organizations, including Camp Kesem, WakeMed Foundation, Second Chance Pet Adoption, Triangle Land Conservancy, Urban Ministries, Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, Saving Grace, and Alley Cats and Angels. Other memorable causes have included Color the Spectrum (supporting children with autism), Team Seas (removing trash from beaches), Catholic Parish Outreach, Passage Home, and Wounded Warrior Project.
Will Hammond, 8th-grade Student Council member for the last three years, led Dollar Dress Out last year and shares his perspective: “I really enjoy being able to dress out because it allows me to be a little bit more comfortable at school, and it’s pretty fun to be able to wear your normal clothes while being at a school that normally has uniforms. But most of all, I really like that we get to donate money to charities that are helping those who are in need in our community.”
One of the most heartwarming Dollar Dress Out Days came in February 2021 when the TFS community rallied around Trevor Thompson, former Director of Peace and Justice at St. Francis of Assisi, after his family lost their home in a fire. Students raised funds through a dress-out day and presented the donation at Mass. During that time, Mr. Thompson shared, “We never expected to be in this position of having lost our house and belongings. It is such an upheaval in our lives, and we are trying to find our footing and rebuild. We are so moved by your generosity. It is a hard time, but when people reach out like you all have done, things feel easier. We feel stronger, lighter, and more confident that we will get to the other side of this.”
What began as a fun way to dress out of uniform has become a beautiful TFS tradition, one rooted in generosity, leadership, and faith in action. Through Dollar Dress Out Days, students are learning that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference.
Thank you to our students and community for living our mission each day through generosity.