Gathered around in English teacher Sean Hardy’s classroom, a dozen students planned out the first of many community service projects for the new Mission Possible club. The club, founded by junior Maisha Maliha, wants to help kids in the INOVA Children’s Hospital Center feel more comfortable and at home during their stay.

“We work with INOVA Children’s Hospital and strive towards providing the patients with comfort, security and happiness,” Maliha said. “Because they are away from their homes, schools, friends and families for an extended amount of time, it can be a very isolating experience.”

After gathering the talking two of her friends about taking initiative in their community and bettering other people’s lives, the three officially started the club.

“When Maisha told me she was creating this club, I instantly knew that I wanted to be a part of it,” club Vice President Hlina Wondwossen said. “I love to help others, but I have never really been a part of something like this.

Mission Possible’s first project will be making and donating crayons. Materials were gathered and fundraised through an art supply drive before winter break. The leadership board hopes that through this project, more awareness can be spread both about the club, and the importance of service.

The members plan on melting down old crayons and forming new ones using silicone molds. The crayons are expected to be in a variety of shapes and colors. Maliha envisioned the idea as a fun alternative to regular crayons.

“Making the crayons as opposed to just buying regular crayons allows us to customize the crayons into different shapes and color combinations,” Maliha said.

Since the club is new, recruitment is still standing. Any AHS student is welcomed to join the club and contribute to the activities. Meetings are held every time the club embarks on a new project and all of the members decide on the details together.

According to Maliha, the club is thinking about running a children’s book supply drive as their next project. However, the board remains open to all new input and suggestions.

“Hopefully the crayon drive will benefit the community by making children feel better,” board member Efrata Tecle said. “I hope by giving them more supplies and fun things they can be distracted from their circumstances.”