April 22, 2008

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCCL School's Big Give - Week 2

The twenty-five 7th and 8th graders at Newark Center for Creative Learning (NCCL) School, in Newark, Delaware, are now in the second week of their community service project called "NCCL School's Big Give." The 13 and 14 year olds have been given $50 to give away to help others. The students have selected their community causes, soliciting additional donations, and already receiving donations to help their causes.

Kate Kerrane, one of the students' two teachers, says the students are energized and excited about making a difference in their local community. "They are calling me at home and jumping up and down at school. They are asking during break and lunch if they can make phone calls. They are very enthusiastic."

The students have been contacting businesses and organizations, writing proposals and requests for donations, and sending faxes. Kerrane points out that, "they are learning skills they will use throughout their life. I'm impressed with how comfortable they are becoming talking to adults even for some of the kids who are shy. It's really empowering for them."

Some of the causes include:

• Forgotten Cats - a cat and kitten adoption and re-release program.
• Bayard House - serving homeless or transitional pregnant minors in Delaware.
• An Art Summer Camp program for disadvantaged children through the Everett Theater in Middletown, DE.
• Environmental improvement for local Parks and Recreation.
• Ronald McDonald House.
• A Backpack program for foster children in Delaware.
• A family of a child with cancer through A.I. Dupont Hospital.
• Tri-State Bird Rescue.
• Sojourner's Place - helping Delaware's homeless population return to self-sufficiency.

The students have been really busy. In just over a week they have collected pet food, car loads of clothes and supplies for Bayard House, a grocery store gift card, and 20 rolling backpacks.

"I think the thing that has been the most surprising and exciting for the students is realizing that, just by telling people about what they are doing, people want to help," Kerrane says.

For more details contact Kate Kerrane, teacher, at 302-368-7772 or katekerrane@msn.com.

Listen to WDEL's Education Watch featuring NCCL's Big Give Project.

An initial press release is available.

A list of student projects is available