|
February
2010
Mont
Pleasant Class Raises Money for Haiti
Students come together to make a difference
Stephan Balogh,
a social studies teacher at Mont Pleasant Middle School,
discussed the devastation in Haiti last month with his students.
His first period class was so moved, the group decided they
wanted to take immediate action, raise some money quickly and
try to make a difference.
The students
and their teacher worked together, developed a plan and made it
happen.
Balogh said
they decided an easy way to show support and raise some money
would be to wear red on Friday of that week and ask each student
to contribute at least $1 and staff members to give $5.
The students
set two 5-gallon water jugs near the front and rear entrances of
the school. "The money poured in," said Balogh. The
students offered more than their spare pennies and nickels.
"They brought in their dollar bills, change, some fives, tens
and even twenties," said Balogh.
The staff was
just as generous. Balogh said they all opened their
wallets. One staff member gave a $50 bill. "Another
one said we could have whatever was in an envelope in his
briefcase," said Balogh. "That turned out to be $67."
By the end of
the day, Balogh's class had collected $752.
The donation
was sent to United Methodist Committee on Relief (OMCOR), a
charity that the class selected after doing some research.
"Every dollar donated goes to Haiti, no salaries or
administrative expenses," said Balogh. The organization
also received an A+ rating from American Institute of
Philanthropy -
www.charitywatch.org/hottopics/Haiti.html
By all
accounts, it was an exciting project for the class. "There
was much excitement in the halls and cafeteria throughout the
day," said Balogh. He also noted that students were
surprised at how much money they could raise in one day during
the school day.
"This may have
opened many minds as to how simple it is to give," said Balogh.
"How a little idea can have a large impact on the lives of
people in need."
Back |
