Students Step Up to Help Tsunami Victims

Maple Avenue Elementary School fifth-graders learned the value of helping others and uniting for a good cause with their Hearts for Humanity Drive.

The 83 students in the fifth-grade classes sold and applied temporary tattoos, sold raffle tickets to win Japanese erasers, and collected money to donate to support the American Red Cross’ relief efforts to help those affected by the Japanese earthquake and Pacific tsunami.

Teachers Christina Garley, Michelle Schultz, Courtney Benz/Stephanie Obermyer, and guidance counselor Colleen Casper worked with the students to organize the fundraiser.

Prior to the fundraising, the fifth-graders gave presentations for each classroom at the school in groups of five or six to help fellow students understand the need to support the American Red Cross’ efforts.

“In the classrooms, we talked to the other students about what the Red Cross is and what they do as a volunteer organization. When you volunteer, it is not for money, people do it to make a difference in the world," said Nick, a fifth-grader. "We want other people to have as good of a life as we do – to have food, shelter and a place to come home to."

Each of the students had a way they contributed to the cause.  Fifth-grader Ben walked around while wearing a heart billboard to advertise the project to other students.  During the week of May 9 to 13, Alyssa applied the temporary heart-shaped tattoos at the school’s “tattoo parlor,” called “Maple Inc. & More.”

The students also held a raffle to win seven sets of Japanese Iwako erasers.  These erasers are shaped like food, animals, driving and baseball gear.  The sets retail for around $6 to $7 on Amazon.com.

“Students could donate 25 cents for a raffle ticket to win Iwako erasers,” said fifth-grader Alvin.  “Even if you didn’t win, you pretty much still won because that money is going to help people in Japan.”

“Also, the company that makes the Iwako erasers is located in Japan near the area hit, and by buying their erasers we are helping Japan,” said Alyssa, another student.

On Iwako’s website it says that they experienced a “very big shake,” and slowed production to reduce electricity usage.  None of their employees or their families were injured, and compared with the affected area their damage was inconsequential.

The “Hearts for Humanity Drive” is part of Maple Avenue Elementary School’s Uniting Kids and Community (UKC) program.  This program engages and empowers students to plan, coordinate, promote and carry out service projects while they learn the value of civic responsibility and develop problem solving skills.

The fifth-graders raised $1,100, after project expenses, which was donated to the Red Cross.