Sometimes children show grownups the way when it comes to matters of the heart.
Give some kids a chance to help other kids who are in a seriously bad situation and their response can light the way to a better world and one we all desire.
When news reports arrived at McGaugh Elementary School about hurricane Sandy, students in Nadia Williams’ fourth-grade class heard about the tremendous destruction on the east coast last month.
They learned that the storm destroyed homes, neighborhoods, and cities.
However, what really hit home was the news that many children lost their school as well. Fourth-grader Cooper Hardwick heard about one school in particular, Memorial School in Union Beach, New Jersey.
The damage was so severe there, the entire student body had to be relocated until repairs are made.
The students were moved to other locations to continue their studies, but they lost everything – books, supplies, paper – even musical instruments and the entire school library.
“I feel bad for those students at Memorial School because we’re down here dry and safe and their school is destroyed from the flood,” said Cooper. “I thought that we should help.”
As a holiday project, Mrs. Williams’ students are collecting items and creating care packages to send to Memorial School. Care packages will include items such as handwritten letters from the students, pictures, small holiday gifts of toys, mittens, hats, scarves, and other treats.
What started out with one classroom has become a school project and now all students at McGaugh Elementary are encouraged to join in. Eight other area schools are also participating in this effort.
Due to flooding at Memorial School, everything below three feet was destroyed and must be replaced, including furniture and flooring. Other repairs include an overhaul of electrical, drywall, and phone lines.
Many students lost their homes, so school is the only place to go to stay warm, get a hot meal and feel secure. “Memorial School is a lot like McGaugh—they have about the same number of classrooms so we are hoping we can ‘adopt’ the school and help them out,” Cooper said. “We want to collect enough school supplies and other things to help get them back on their feet.”
Cooper’s mother, Joy Hardwick, is not surprised by the enthusiastic response to the campaign to help a school and students more than 2,000 miles away.
“We have such a great community of friends, they will do anything to help others,” she said. “Also, everyone has such a good heart in the holiday season.
“By helping the children of Memorial School, we are reminded that we are so blessed to have so much.”
Cash donations and gift cards for the care packages are also welcome from the community. For more information, contact Joy Hardwick at joyfulk@aol.com.
