Big Give 2010
NCCL's Group 4 has finished their "Big Give Project", inspired by Oprah Winfrey's "Pay it Forward Challenge" (read a story about NCCL's Big Give 2008). Each student was given $50 with which to make a difference. They researched and found organizations that they wanted to help, and then made their money and donations grow to make the biggest impact possible.
Amy Cherry of WDEL's Delaware Education Watch interviewed Group 4 students and teacher Kate Kerrane about the Big Give project: http://wdel.com/video/?v=biggive.wmvRead more about the 2010 projects: reforesting Folk Park, CompAnimals, Meals on Wheels, Kamp for Kids, security blankets for hospitalized children, care packages for military personnel, One Laptop Per Child - Haiti, comfort bags for children undergoing chemotherapy, Emmaus House, Delaware Humane Association.
Project #1: Reforesting Folk Park and Tree Planting
Three students are raising money to purchase whip trees to reforest sections of Folk Park, which is located in Newark. After they raise the money, they are planning on purchasing and planting the trees. They are also trying to raise money to purchase larger trees which will be planted by the reservoir in Newark. They are collecting donations and will be holding a raffle with plants for prizes, so buying raffle tickets will help to support their cause.
Project #2: Comp Animals
Three students are raising money and collecting donations for CompAnimals, a no-kill shelter in Landenberg, PA. CompAnimals began as a Senior Pet Rescue, but has gone on to rescue hundreds of unwanted pets. They have expanded to help all animals in need but specialize in the "unadoptables": cats and dogs missing hair, animals needing surgery prior to adoption, missing limbs or eyes, sick kittens or puppies that don't have a chance at the shelter, any animal that just needs a little extra TLC before finding that forever home. The students are collecting money and supplies for the shelter.
Project #3: Meals on Wheels
Two students are collecting money for Meals on Wheels, an organization that delivers meals to individuals at home who are unable to purchase or prepare their own meals. Many of the recipients are elderly and housebound. The students will be conducting several activities involving kids from other homerooms: having kids help make cards, decorate lunch bags and contribute poetry. They will be conducting an exciting game called, "Penny Wars" to raise funds.
Project #4: Kamp for Kids - A summer camp for children with diabetes
Two students are helping to raise money and art supplies for Kamp for Kids, a camp run by the University of Delaware for children with diabetes. They could use donations of art supplies: paints, markers, paint brushes, crayons, construction paper, scissors, glue, drawing paper, craft kits, colored pencils etc. They will be holding a bake sale after spring break. The students will be volunteering at the camp this summer as part of their project.
Project #5: Security Blankets for Children at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children
Two students are sewing security blankets for young children who are staying at A.I. DuPont Hospital. They have collected fabric and made sewing kits to distribute to NCCL families who can help them sew the blankets.
Project #6: Care Packages for Military Personnel Overseas
Two students are putting together care packages for oversea soldiers to be donated through the USO. They will also be doing volunteer work to help local families with chores whose spouses are overseas. They could use the following donations: lounge pajamas, snacks and goodies, candy, gum, Chapstick, t-shirts - solid grey or black, hand held games, CDs and DVDs, books and magazines in good condition, bug repellent, backpacks, deodorant, shampoo, lotion and cards and letters of encouragement.
Project #7: One Laptop Per Child - Haiti
Two students are collecting money to help purchase laptops for children in Haiti through the organization One Laptop Per Child. Their mission statement is: "to create educational opportunities for the world's poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future." The students are trying to raise $2,000 so that they can purchase 20 computers.
Project #8: Comfort Bags for Children Going Through Chemotherapy
Two students are putting together comfort bags for children who are going through chemotherapy treatments at Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. They are collecting the following items for their bags: tote bags, coloring books, crayons, new stuffed animals, small blankets and toys.
Project #9: Emmaus House
Two students are raising money and collecting donations for the Emmaus House. Through the Emmaus House program Homeward Bound provides safe and stable shelter to homeless families with children. At the Emmaus House families are given the opportunity stay together while addressing the underlying causes of their homelessness. The students volunteered at Emmaus House over spring break. They are holding a food drive and are collecting new and gently used toys, games, and household items. They will also be holding fundraising games at school.
Project #10: Delaware Humane Association
Three students are helping the Delaware Humane Association, a no-kill shelter in Wilmington. They are collecting items for pets: used blankets, towels, paper towels, dog and cat food, kitty litter, leashes, dog beds, dog and cat toys, office supplies.
