Red Cross recognizes contributions from local schools

Date: 5/16/2011

SPRINGFIELD — The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter thankfully recognized all of the communities, school districts, and students within the Pioneer Valley for generous donations toward the Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami American Red Cross relief efforts. Students from both Woodland Hills Elementary School in Southwick and Barry Elementary School in Chicopee recently presented donations to chapter representatives in support of the effort.

On April 6, students from Robin Gordon's elementary class at Woodland Hills School presented a donation of more than $700 to Michael Costa, American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter's intern. The students are currently learning about earth-quakes and tsunamis in their science class and were moved to hold a penny drive after hearing of the earthquake in Japan. During his visit with the students, Costa explained that the money would be used to provide food, cots, blankets, and other essential items to the people of Japan.

The students also took the opportunity to educate Costa about causes of earthquakes and tsunamis.

"During the past month, we have received donations from large corporations, small bus-inesses, schools and individuals, who have brought their co-mmunities together to assist the people of Japan but we are truly impressed by the amazing feats these students were able to reach through their creative fund-raising," Costa said. "These aspir-ing young scientists not only raised over $700 toward the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami, they gave me a science lesson!"

On April 11, fifth grade students in the Before School Program at Barry Elementary School in Chicopee presented a donation to Dawn Leaks, American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter Assistant Director of Chapter Support. The students came up with the idea to create and run an in school store to raise money for Japan. They sold notebooks, pencils, and various other school supplies for two days resulting in an astonishing $500 donation to Japan.

Those who would like to contribute to the aid of the victims of countless crises occurring across the globe, can donate a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund. Donations can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.

Donations can also be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) and also online at the organization's Web site, www.redcross.org.