Students and parents of the senior class will be out this Sunday for a "shake the can."

VERNON, CT — Limited in its fundraising efforts for about two full years since coming to Rockville High School, this year's seniors — the Class of 2024 — have been scrambling to make up their fundraising efforts.

Students and parents of the senior class will be out in force this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a "shake the can" event at Bogner's and both local Stop & Shops, but the efforts are just the tip of the ice burg in terms of time and funds lost to the pandemic restrictions.

"So it came to our attention at the end of the school year that our upcoming seniors didn’t have a lot of money in their class account," parent Dee Green said. "A few parents got together and decided we needed to come up with some ideas to get these kids some money. The Class of 2024 has been impacted by Covid in so many ways — lost the second half of their eighth-grade year with no class outing and no dance. These are all big milestones that were taken away by Covid."

The seniors first two years of high school were mired in virtual and hybrid class schedules.

"Then are kids were off to start their high school experience but had no opportunity to fund-raise during their freshman and sophomore years," Green said. "We are just trying to help bring down the cost of their senior prom and class day tickets . The more money we can raise gives all the seniors the opportunity to participate in these activities without a huge financial strain on their families."

RHS Principal Jason Magao said don't forget to add in a downturned economy. The school system does not subsidize the prom.

"It's been tough to fill a gas tank and to pay the bills, plus they legitimately lost two years to raise money," he said. "There are hundreds of dollars in the class account as opposed to thousands. We're willing to get creative and do all we can do."

Senior class parents parents said other creative fund-raisers will be on tap over the next few months and added they will reach out to the local business community.

Both parents and Magao said donations can always be accepted through the school. They can be made to the RHS CLASS OF 2024 - C/O Richard O'Brian or Katie Pitts, 70 Loveland Hill Roa, Vernon, CT 06066 or be dropped off directly at the school.