Compassionate children
Education Week's latest edition includes an article on how schools should handle tsunami relief efforts. Some nuggets of wisdom from that article (which apply to any fund-raising effort, not just for students):
*Don't open e-mails soliciting donations
*Do find a reputable charity
*Don't collect items before finding out what is needed
*Do remember that there will be a long-term need for help as the countries rebuild
Sound advice, especially considering that students throughout Guilford County Schools have raised thousands of dollars so far. Their efforts - ranging from bake sales to sock hops - continue into at least March, according to what district officials knew as of Wednesday.
Rob Gasparello, principal at Grimsley High School, has long preached the value of community service to students. They impressed him with their response to the tsunami. As of Wednesday, they had raised more than $7,000 with a goal of raising $8,000 by Friday.
"It's what we've been trying to say, how important it is to give back to your community, whether that be local or international," he said.
For those who believe charity begins at home, don't think these kids don't know that. During the holidays they collect money and food for those in need here. And throughout the year many schools participate in various charity fund-raisers. High schools have clubs that are dedicated to service.
But with the tsunami, Guilford County's youngest residents showed how compassionate they truly are; and proved they've gotten the message. It is important to give back to your community - even the one a world away.
Read more about school tsunami fund-raising at Education Week here. (Registration required.)
Comments (4)
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Addendum:
I just got a call from a Claxton parent who said her kids came home from school today all excited because they had raised $8,700. I haven't verified that number with the school district, but the school had raised more than $5,000 by the end of last week so I wouldn't be too surprised the final amount had gone up so high.
All I can say is, "Wow." Kids can be amazingly generous. And let's not forget the adults at these schools who also are donating.
How are your schools doing? Share your stories here on the Chalkboard. There can never be too much inspiration, I say.
Posted on January 20, 2005 3:30 PM
Jennifer,
The kids at Summerfield have raised over $4000- not sure of the total!
Posted on January 21, 2005 8:29 AM
It's not just the public schools; private schools also are stepping up and helping, too.
I just received this press release from Lauren Holbrook over at Greensboro Montessori:
Students and parents at The Greensboro Montessori School raised more than $1000 during one School assembly for the victims of the December 26th tsunami. The school had already scheduled a school-wide assembly to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. for Friday, January 14th when the tsunami struck. Administrators, teachers, and students all wanted to do something to help the victims and the assembly seemed a natural way to gather the school community to celebrate the life and teachings of MLK, Jr. while also helping others in need.
A sixth grade student, Sarah Slazyk donated $100 dollars she had earned by babysitting. Sarah said, "I know that a lot of people have died and I really want to do something to help. I want to help make it better. I want to help get the victims food and shelter."
Posted on January 24, 2005 9:42 AM
Doesn't the tsunami relief effort already have more money than it can use?
I just wish people could be that generous for other good causes too.
Posted on February 3, 2005 7:56 PM