Those faces...

On Friday a student, who in general is a pain in my side, but who I have a good rapport with, carried in a large box of about 20 pounds. He carried it almost a mile from his home to my office. Inside were toothbrushes ala Dora the Explorer, Toothpaste, Examination Gloves, etc. All donated to Haiti. I was so thrilled to have this student take the initiative to ask for these donations and then deliver. Given the opportunity, students of all ages do amazing things. On Friday I shipped those supplies along with the stuffed animals my daughter donated, down to Florida. Where I will rely on Haiti Partners www.haitipartners.com to forward them to these beautiful smiling faces you see above. In addition I purchased 47 books tonight with the money my other student collected to send to IMN School as well.

I also took a moment to photograph this sweet little bee on the iris by my mailbox...

Given the Opportunity...

Given the opportunity to do good, children of all ages rise to the occassion, many times on their own. This week one of my students Ellie, a member of the Chicago Children's Choir, took it upon herself to raise some money for IMN School in Haiti. Ellie made an announcement during their concert last week and then stood outside the doors as people exited with buckets and collected $545 in donations! The money will be used to purchased English/Haitian Picture dictionaries and Picture Board Books for the children at IMN in Darbonne.

My own two children this weekend, created their own opportunity as well, we had a garage sale this weekend, and they made cookie dough the night before and baked wonderful warm chocolate chip cookies, made coffee, and lemonade. All the profits, $35 or so, is being donated to IMN as well. In addition, they donated several of their toys to the children and we will be mailing them down there.

Another student of mine, Ashley, just emailed me tonight, wanting to run a fundraiser through her place of employment. Children of all ages are truly amazing to step up to the opportunities availabel to them.

thank you all so very much for making a differnce...