Published: 1/8/2019 8:49:07 PM
GREENFIELD — The thought was simple: “Where would we feel like our donations would have the biggest impact?”
The first year, the money went to the Dakin Humane Society, assisting the needs of animals in the Pioneer Valley. This past year, the money went to Berkshire Family and Children, helping out with the homeless of western Massachusetts. This year, the group of students in the Four Corners Student Council went with an issue they said they could all relate.
“We’re not just helping people,” Jayden Daiqneault, 10, said. “We’re saving people.”
Four Corners students this year are using their monthly spirit days to bring in money for St. Jude Children Research Hospital. Each month children have a chance to dress up with a theme, like pajama day or pirate day. They have to bring a quarter in to participate, a minimal fee to keep it essentially open to anyone who wants to join in, but the goal is to raise $50 a spirit day.
Last year, the students donated $300 to Berkshire Family and Children, just from the funds raised by the students dressing up to school.
“So often within the school we’re trying to fundraise for our own projects and needs,” Four Corners Principal Jake Toomey said. “This has been an opportunity for us to stop and think about people outside our community and walls.”
Some students on the council said they know of people who have cancer, and this was a reason they chose St. Jude Children Research Hospital this year.
“It makes me feel really proud of us and really happy, because I know all this money is going for a good cause,” Amelia Prescott, 9, said.
The students, sitting at a roundtable in the elementary school where they brainstormed further fundraising ideas, expressed a feeling of purpose. “It makes me feel great that I can actually help,” Tsering Tridvtsang, 10, said.
“It’s really educational moment for them,” Toomey said. “Looking out for others in your community, but not necessarily in your school.”
You can reach Joshua Solomon at:
jsolomon@recorder.com
413-772-0261, ext. 264