Even amidst the hustle and scramble leading up to the holidays, taking a moment to remember those less fortunate is terribly important. In fact, it’s what the holidays are really all about . . . giving. This year, instead of exchanging gifts or doing Secret Santas, The New Century School organized several outreach programs to give students an opportunity to do some actual good in the world, both locally and internationally. Says primary teacher Mrs. Lawson, “We choose this time of year to do our outreach because kids are so busy thinking about what they want. We want them to also look in the other direction.”

Change for Change

Meshack’s 70-year-old grandmother raises him and supports their family.

Elementary students raised money for children in Kenya through ChildFund International, whose mission is “to help deprived, excluded, and vulnerable children living in poverty have the capacity to become young adults, parents, and leaders who bring lasting and positive change to their communities.” Elementary teachers Ms. DuPrau and Ms. Roberts cleverly incorporated math into this lesson in giving by having students not only collect spare change and bring it in but also by counting the totals they amassed. A very pleased Ms. DuPrau said, “We collected a total of $300.60! That is enough money to feed 50 children. We doubled our goal!” In Kenya, 50% of the population exists below the poverty line. This includes young children like Meshack, who typically subsists on black tea and maize paste (called ugali) only twice daily. Even so, at only 5 years old, Meshack loves writing and wants to be a teacher when he grows up. The money that elementary students raised will help kids like Meshack get more and better nutrition—fuel to help realize some of those childhood dreams!

Students watch the coin-rolling demo closely.

A discussion ensues about how many pennies each roll contains.

Penny-counting requires due diligence!

Sometimes the paper roll is more fascinating when empty. You can poke your finger inside, you can use it as a telescope to look at your pile of coins–the possibilities are endless!

Helping Hands Collect Mittens

Refugees often arrive from more tropical climes and are not prepared for winter in Baltimore. Drives like this ensure a more comfortable stay.

These students use clothespins to attach hats and matching mittens to the primary classes’ Mitten Tree. (The Ravens did win that day, surely due in part to this show of spirit among the little ones.)

This tree would soon be overflowing with winter apparel for refugees in Baltimore.

In a 2-week period in December, primary families donated hats, scarves, mittens, and other new or gently used winter apparel. On December 20th, a “tickled” Mrs. Lazarony rounded up 11 bags of clothing and took them to the Baltimore IRC headquarters. “Their faces lit up,” described Mrs. Lazarony, “They were so grateful.” These clothing items will be distributed through a “free store,” which is open three times a week for members to obtain up to 15 items per visit, free of charge. “Despite the short amount of time available for our drive,” said Mrs. Lazarony proudly, “TNCS families really rose to the occasion.”

Want To Help?

A cow costs $500; we are figuring out how much more money we need to reach our goal. Hmmmmm . . .

So far we have raised $385!!!!! Fist pump!!!!

The dimes keep on rolling in!

Ultimately, the kids collected $520—enough for a cow and a flock of chickens!