Post by title1parent on Jun 9, 2010 6:31:15 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/schools/2369058,6_5_NA09_BROOKS_S1-100609.article
A lasting impression
School teaches kids to count blessings by feeding hungry
June 9, 2010
By JANE DONAHUE For Sun-Times Media
Fifth-graders from Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary received a life lesson when they spent their last day of school at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. Wearing hairnets and a smile, the enthusiastic bunch scooped and measured their way to stamp out hunger.
"Our students have the blessing of homes, food and education," said Principal Dave Younce. "For them to be able to learn about other children who aren't as fortunate and then to physically give of their time and energy to impact those children is an experience that is critical at this stage of their lives."
Feed My Starving Children is a not-for-profit hunger relief organization that prepares nutritious meals for distribution in more than 60 countries throughout the world. According to Debbi Briggs, assistant site supervisor, kids receive a real-world education when they attend a packing session at the Aurora facility.
"They learn that in other countries, kids their age aren't worrying about iPods and iPhones, they are dealing with 'am I going to eat today?' or 'am I going to survive until the end of the day?'," Briggs said. "As they go through the two-hour packing session, kids learn they can make a difference in the lives of others."
Teacher Adam Johnson said providing this volunteer opportunity is important to prepare the students for the future.
"We want to show a student that even one person can make a difference," Johnson said, "and collectively, they can make a bigger difference. This is a good way to get started."
Anne Meyer accompanied her daughter Julia on the field trip.
"I was thrilled when I heard they were going to do this," said Meyer, who has volunteered at Feed My Starving Children before. "I think it's fabulous for our kids to learn to give back, and this is an easy way to do so."
Julia Meyer shared the sentiment.
"I really like helping the starving children," the fifth-grader said. "And it's a fun thing to do with my friends."
Younce hopes the outing to Feed My Starving Children has lasting effects.
"It is my hope that our fifth-graders can walk with an appreciation of the blessings they have, pride in their ability to contribute, and a desire to continue to do good work to impact the world."
And if their enthusiasm is any indication, these kids are well on their way.
A lasting impression
School teaches kids to count blessings by feeding hungry
June 9, 2010
By JANE DONAHUE For Sun-Times Media
Fifth-graders from Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary received a life lesson when they spent their last day of school at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. Wearing hairnets and a smile, the enthusiastic bunch scooped and measured their way to stamp out hunger.
"Our students have the blessing of homes, food and education," said Principal Dave Younce. "For them to be able to learn about other children who aren't as fortunate and then to physically give of their time and energy to impact those children is an experience that is critical at this stage of their lives."
Feed My Starving Children is a not-for-profit hunger relief organization that prepares nutritious meals for distribution in more than 60 countries throughout the world. According to Debbi Briggs, assistant site supervisor, kids receive a real-world education when they attend a packing session at the Aurora facility.
"They learn that in other countries, kids their age aren't worrying about iPods and iPhones, they are dealing with 'am I going to eat today?' or 'am I going to survive until the end of the day?'," Briggs said. "As they go through the two-hour packing session, kids learn they can make a difference in the lives of others."
Teacher Adam Johnson said providing this volunteer opportunity is important to prepare the students for the future.
"We want to show a student that even one person can make a difference," Johnson said, "and collectively, they can make a bigger difference. This is a good way to get started."
Anne Meyer accompanied her daughter Julia on the field trip.
"I was thrilled when I heard they were going to do this," said Meyer, who has volunteered at Feed My Starving Children before. "I think it's fabulous for our kids to learn to give back, and this is an easy way to do so."
Julia Meyer shared the sentiment.
"I really like helping the starving children," the fifth-grader said. "And it's a fun thing to do with my friends."
Younce hopes the outing to Feed My Starving Children has lasting effects.
"It is my hope that our fifth-graders can walk with an appreciation of the blessings they have, pride in their ability to contribute, and a desire to continue to do good work to impact the world."
And if their enthusiasm is any indication, these kids are well on their way.