You don’t have to go very far from Danville to find someone who is in need, say two San Ramon Valley High sophomores, Patrick Colton and Zach Argiros.

The two friends started the Students Assisting Students club last fall to help families in the community who are struggling to pay their utility bills.

The club invites the community to visit its Valentines Day Boutique on Feb. 9 at the Sycamore Community Club House. Vendors will donate a portion of their proceeds to the club.

Colton says he was inspired to start the club when he saw a donation jar in his leadership classroom last year.

The jar was being used to collect money to help students and their families in need pay utility bills.

Colton says the jar made him realize that people who are in need in Danville may get overlooked the focus is more on helping people in other communities or abroad. So he asked Argiros, his friend since first grade at Greenbrook Elementary, to help get the club going.

Colton says the club is in a “building phase,” and that they are focusing on raising funds and spreading the word in the community to people in need and people who can help.

In the future, the teens want to establish chapters at other high schools and partner with elementary and middle-schoolers, too.

People who need help with their utility bills can fill out an application on the club's website, and attach their bills.

 The teens plan to pay the utility companies on behalf of applicants. 

Recognizing the importance of confidentiality, Colton and Argiros say only their moms, Tonya Colton and Cathy Argiros, know an applicant’s identity and contact information. The students do not know whom they are assisting.

The club, which has 35 members and is growing, meets every other Tuesday guided by faculty adviser and English teacher, Phil Silva.

Argiros says the club has raised money by selling hot chocolate at the school and  had a pizza night fund raiser at Mountain Mike’s. The two efforts raised more than $200.

The club has not begun paying bills, says Colton. Tonya Colton, parent adviser, says members are focused on raising more funds to ensure they won't have to "turn people away."

The Valentine's Day Boutique is the first “big” fund raiser for the club, members say. They are hopeful that the event will increase their funds to the point that they can begin paying bills. The event is off to a good start and already has brought in more than $800.

The boutique will feature at least 20 local vendors selling gift items, with more  expected, says Tonya Colton. The club will sell raffle tickets at the door for donated gift baskets. Appetizers and beverages will be served.

Boutique vendors include:

• Mary Coakley Designs
• EVLooks-Eye Candy
• Crafts By Sandi
• Cake Balls
• Camilion Creations
• 31 Gifts
• African Baskets
• Just Relax
• Handmade Glass
• Hair With a Twist
• Stella and Dot
• Gourmet Cupcakes
• Colored Threadz
• Scentsy
• It's A La Mode
• Bling It On
• Cookie Lee 
• A Little Self Indulgence
• A Touch of Pixie Dust
• Nature's Looking Glass

For more information, call Patrick or Tonya Colton at 925-820-2398. The Students Assisting Students Valentine’s Day Boutique will be  Feb. 9 from 4-8:30 p.m. at the Sycamore Community Clubhouse, 635 Old Orchard Drive, in Danville.