Coins for Caring

August 08, 2008 02:30 pm

— Pella school children collect coins to give to the
children of tornado ravaged Parkersburg

In watching children bring to school the pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and a few dollar bills which they had earned or donated from their piggy banks, then placing these coins into a big bank one by one, was the act of true Character Counts. This was a real demonstration of the 6 pillars of character, which they have been learning: Care, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Trustworthiness, and being a good Citizen.
As we all are aware, Parkersburg, was devastated by a tornado in a matter of moments leaving personal items spread across 3 states or lost forever right into the rubble which was left behind. When we, the administration and school counselors in the Pella Community Schools and the Pella Christian Schools, discussed this with our children. It was agreed there was no other way but to help the children and families of Parkersburg. This is what our children of Pella wanted to do. The one way to do this was through giving. Our children are to be commended by their willingness to reach out. In less than a week our students collected over $1,800 in donations, which we called “Coins for Caring”. In just a few days after the tragedy, school would be dismissed for the summer and our children rose to the occasion.
A portion of this money was placed toward the purchase of gift cards to be used for all household and personal items, and a portion of it will be used towards some community restoration projects, which will benefit children. These gifts were sent directly to specific responsible individuals in the Parkersburg schools and churches.
“Grateful” would be a word to use but still does not adequately describe how these gifts were appreciated and received. It would be so nice to have been able to share photos of families in Parkersburg putting these gift cards to use, or images of children enjoying the community restoration projects, but we will only be able to imagine how our caring and helping makes smiles for those residents.
As a representative for these recipients, we will pass along a big “Thank You” to all of the children and families in Pella for this wonderful effort!
Representing all the school counselors and administrators,

Liz Epperly
Elementary School Counselor
Pella Community Schools

Sheryl Hanthorn
K-8 School Counselor
Pella Christian Schools