Third-graders wage campaigns to aid Haiti victims

When third-graders in teacher Grant McNiff’s class heard about the earthquake in Haiti, they immediately had it on their hearts to help.

And when a third-grader in teacher Craig Croman’s class learned of the disaster, she had an idea she and classmates put to work.

“We came up with the idea for the project after talking about what we saw and heard on the news,” said McNiff. “We discussed no matter how challenging things may be for our families right now with unemployment and other tough times, it is nowhere near as difficult as it is for the people in Haiti. We decided if everybody gave just a little bit, we could raise enough money to help.”

So, two weeks ago they put a jar out in their classroom at James Dukes Elementary and named their mission “Change for Haiti” in hopes of giving $100 to Doctors without Borders.

At the end of last week, their jar was full and they had raised $65. With the fundraiser ending tomorrow, they are hoping they will make at least that much in this week’s collection, too.

In Croman’s class, student Skylar Rizzie suggested making and selling bookmarks. A team of 10 in the third-grade class, also at James Dukes Elementary, has been working during recesses and as of Tuesday had received $243 in donations. On their day off from school last Friday, nine of the students participated in a Bookmark Making Party at Skylar’s home. Their marketing campaign has been so successful they wanted to be sure they had enough bookmarks to meet the demand.

Each bookmark has its own theme—from Chargers to Peace—and unique design. They are selling the bookmarks to neighbors, teachers, classmates, friends and family members and will continue the fundraiser through Feb. 12. Anyone wanting to donate to the bookmark effort may call 760-390-7935. Checks may be written to Ramona Rotary and proceeds will go to ShelterBox for a kit to supply an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and essential equipment to use while they are displaced.

After McNiff’s students agreed that we were going to help Haiti, “we made posters to take home and let our family help, too,” said third-grader Seneca Curo. “If our family helped, we could get triple the money to help Haiti. Our class hopes we can save a life or lives. That is why we are helping Haiti.”

“It was a very dreadful earthquake and everyone can help Haiti by pitching in,” said third-grader Ellie Nadeau.

And that’s what students and staff did.

“The kids are not so much excited as they are glad that they get to participate in a small way to help others out that are in a real bad way,” said McNiff.

“The people in Haiti have barely anything. Now their island is destroyed,” said Bryce Megna.

“We are doing this because they had a very bad earthquake and they don’t have shelter, so help now!” exclaimed Bryce Megna.