Fifth graders raise funds for MVOB

​Twenty-five fifth graders at Alton Darby Elementary School led a schoolwide fundraising effort that resulted in a donation of more than $1,400 for My Very Own Blanket.
 
The students, who were participating in the See Kids Dream project, spent lunch and recess time learning about and practicing philanthropy. See Kids Dream is a non-profit organization that promotes service learning, empowering students to decide how to help others.
 
After the students identified possible issues (e.g., hunger, foster kids, veterans) in Hilliard and Central Ohio, it was time to get the whole school involved. The students presented information to each grade level about each issue. Then the whole school voted and decided to address the issue of children in foster care.
 
The students learned about the needs of foster children and researched area organizations that help them. Jessica Rudolph, head of MVOB, and a representative of another organization were invited to school to tell the students more about how they help foster kids. The students were so impressed with both of the women that they decided to give money to help both organizations.
 
The whole school community brought change to school for one week in late November. The students raised $2,180.73, a school record, and it was divided between the two non-profits.
 
Jaime Alexander, fifth grade teacher at Alton Darby, told us, “The fifth graders were very touched by Jessica's passion and desire that every child have a blanket of their own. We were very happy to give My Very Own Blanket the donation.”
 
We are very thankful for the generous donation made by the Alton Darby community and for their choice to help children in foster care.  

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