Classrooms each voted on the charity they would support after hearing more about each one. Organizations receiving support included Barry County United Way, Green Gables Haven, Barry County Animal Shelter, YMCA, Barry County Substance Abuse, Family Support Center, and Serenity Village.
Students brought in their spare change. Some did extra chores at home to earn money, then donated all or part of it. It was strictly voluntary for any student who chose to give any amount to the organization their class chose. There was simply a jar in the room where money was collected.
“I helped with the dishes, raked the yard and cleaned my brother’s room to help earn some extra money,” said Kohlton Martinez whose funds went to Green Gable Haven.
Classmate Hannah Eberbach said she also did extra chores. “I wanted women and children to have a safe home environment and to be able to not be hurt anymore,” she said.
Both classmates said they learned a lot from this experience. “It made me feel happy and excited to be able to help,” said Hannah.
“I feel like I did the right thing to help other people be safe,” said Kohlton.
Barry County Youth Advisory Council members from Thornapple Kellogg High School visited the classrooms for several weeks to help teach students what philanthropy is and why it is important. They helped students learn about different organizations in the county and decide which one they wanted to support with their donations.
In all, students donated $736.95 to the various organizations in the community. “It’s more than $700 going right back into this community to help people here,” said Sam Waller YAC Program Associate. “You have done a wonderful thing for these organizations. It’s the circle of giving.”
Here are the classrooms and organizations they are assisting:
Mr. Abbott - Barry County Substance Abuse
Ms. Rossi - YMCA
Ms. Ehrlich and Ms. Selewski - Family Support Center
Ms. Czala - United Way
Ms. DeWitt - United Way
Ms. Kahafer - Serenity Village
Ms. Kellogg - Barry County Animal Shelter
Ms. Michalski - Green Gables
Ms. Schneider - Green Gables