|
They washed cars, sold hot dogs and baked goods, and enjoyed knowing that they were helping others their own age that are living with the aftereffects of a natural disaster. More than twelve children from the Riverview Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department's Middle School Club gathered to donate time and energy for a good cause recently.
The children worked from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 10 to raise money to assist children affected by Hurricane Katrina in St. Tammary Parish, Louisiana.
The event, held at the American Legion Hall on U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview, was coordinated by Hillsborough County recreation specialist Sandra Holmes, together with Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department community resource officers Susan Shute and Barbara Keplinger. States Holmes, "Everyone was donating to the Red Cross, and that is great, but we decided to adopt a project of our own that will benefit children that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina."
The kids, together with a few parent volunteers, worked diligently to wash the many cars lined up to help with the cause. "They are learning a valuable lesson," said Holmes. "To understand that children just like them have lost everything they own is very powerful. They will remember this for the rest of their lives."
Residents were eager to help the cause. Riverview resident Allen Lantz donated a container filled with pennies and stated, "I wish it could be more, but I know that every cent counts."
Indeed it does. Two hours into the event, the children had already raised more than $200 to help those in need. Holmes reported, "In the next few weeks we are planning on another event to raise money for school supplies for the children of St. Tammary Parish. Schools will be reopening and supplies will be desperately needed." With the Middle School Club's dedication, many of Louisiana's children will be assisted.
For more information contact Sandra Holmes, Riverview Parks, Recreation and Conservation at 671-7617.
|
