When Those in Need Lend a Helping Hand

November 22, 2009

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When Those in Need Lend a Helping Hand

by Susan E. Davis
reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Los Angeles . . . Like most children around the country, the special education students with emotional disabilities at Lockhurst Elementary School were distraught by news of the terrorist attacks. When their teacher asked the fourth- and fifth-graders what they might do to help, the seven children decided that a school-wide coin drive was the way to go. Decision made, they didn't waste any time: The next day, the kids started putting up posters around the school, making announcements over the P.A. system, and distributing flyers for the other students to take home to their parents.

Within a week, they had gathered some $2,500 in relief funds, which they personally delivered to the Van Nuys office of the American Red Cross. "Some kids brought in piggy banks and some kids brought in rolls of coins," says principal Roger Wilcox. "One first-grade girl even brought in a plastic baggie full of pennies, which, of course, dropped and popped on the playground and took half an hour to gather up again. Almost everyone contributed in some way."

Sorting and counting the money was a good math activity, Wilcox notes, and contributing funds will help ongoing relief efforts. But perhaps the greatest benefit, the principal says, was the emotional one. "Most of these youngsters come from severely dysfunctional homes," he explains. "It's hard for them to feel good because every time they try to achieve something they hit a brick wall at home. This coin drive let them be empowered and successful and provided instant gratification. It was a win-win situation."

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Created September 27, 2001
Reviewed October 01, 2001

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