There was plenty of rock and roll at the Helping Hands June Jams concert for a good cause: supporting Dartmouth families and students in need.

Eight bands, soloists, and duet singers took to the stage for the group's final fundraiser of the school year on June 15. The program, now in its 12th year, provides financial support to dozens of families and students within the school system who struggle to make ends meet.

Junior Shane Rose, who serves as the group’s student coordinator, began working with the program earlier in the year. His volunteer work at the region’s youth court program opened his eyes to the connection between poverty and academic and legal struggles, and he decided to do something to make a difference.

“It really is a community and grassroots organization,” said Catherine Thomas, a social worker at the high school and one of the faculty coordinators.

Originally launched in 2006 to help families pay for home heating oil, it has since grown to offer a much broader suite of services.

“Helping Hands benefits students at the high school who cannot afford to be involved in the full high school experience,” Rose said, listing off prom tickets, school supplies, clothing, and other necessities as common items it funds.

Thomas added the organization also buys gift cards to places like Stop and Shop to help families afford food and other items. Demand is especially high during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

This year, the organization donated to 44 families, Thomas said. Everything is handled confidentially.

The June Jams fundraiser is just one of many ways students and staff raise money. Other events included a dining night at Cask and Pig, raffles for Celtics tickets. Students routinely collect money at school lunches, during sports games, and at the school store.