Fourth-graders help Haitian relief

15 years ago

ImagePhoto courtesy Dana Morrison
HELP FOR HAITI — In front of Knights Yankee Grocer in Danforth Saturday, East Grand students raised money with a sale of baked goods, hot chocolate, lemonade and craft items. They also sold 50-50 raffle tickets. Among those taking part were, from left, Sherrie Noyes, a parent-helper; Amanda Massey, student-cashier; Caleb Morrison, event chairperson; and Jennifer Gilman, teacher.

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer

    Students in Jennifer Gilman’s fourth-grade class decided they would raise money to help the victims of earthquake-ravaged Haiti with a sale of baked goods, hot chocolate, lemonade, craft items and a 50-50 raffle. Parents and friends donated sale items that went quickly in front of Knights Yankee Grocer on Central St. in Danforth.
    Last Saturday was on the chilly side — about 20 degrees. But, they braved the weather with their good intentions and raised $460.57 with, according to Gilman, more money still coming in. They agreed to add $100 in prize money they had won last year, giving up plans to buy a class pet.
    Gilman said her students never complained about the cold weather and people were very generous. “The children were very impressed by people’s generosity. Some people bought things for a $1.50 with a five-dollar bill and said ‘keep the change.’”
    Caleb Morrison, 9, who came up with the idea for the sale, told Gilman: “I’m glad one person could make a difference.” And, shoppers at the sale told the children: “You kids are really good for standing out here in the cold to help people you don’t even know.”
    The whole idea of helping the earthquake survivors followed a classroom discussion about the earthquake and the desperate situation for survivors. Gilman said Morrison raised his hand and said: “I have an idea. Let’s donate the money we won last year from the can-tab rally — the $100 — to Haiti.”
ImagePhoto courtesy Dana Morrison
BRAVING THE COLD — Outside Knights Yankee Grocer in Danforth Jennifer Gilman’s fourth-graders get ready for sales that will go to help Haitian relief efforts. They include, from left: Brady McEwen in charge of the 50-50 raffle; Amanda Massey, the cashier; Trevor Noyes, hot chocolate barista; Thomas Gilman and Lendin Stoddard, greeters; and, Caleb Morrison, chairperson. Gilman is standing behind her students.
    
    Her class had collected the most tabs from soda cans to win the contest sponsored by another teacher who donates them to an organization that has them melted down into braces for children. So it was evident Gilman’s students are a motivated group.
    The teacher said a brainstorming session “kind of spiraled” from the initial discussion and the students came up with ideas on how to do as much as possible for the Haitian people.
    Morrison became the chairperson for the fund-raising. Gilman, naturally, said she’s very proud of  him and the class. The money the students raise will be sent to the Red Cross or Maine Haitian Ministries, a medical ministry serving in the northern region of Haiti and based in Glenburn.