Charity For Change calls pilot program big hit at two schools
Karen Conley, president and chief executive officer of Charity for Change, announces that the School “Giver” Program collected $3,843.13 worth of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters by the end of the first session.
The program was launched as a pilot program at Calusa Park Elementary and Lely Elementary in October. Each session, students select a charity for which to raise money.
Food, shelter and emergency nonprofit agencies was the theme for charities during the first session. Charities selected included the American Red Cross, CARE, Guadalupe Center, Habitat for Humanity, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Heifer Project International, Hope for Haiti, Laces of Love and St. Matthew’s House.
The theme for the current session is health. Two of the health-related charities, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and Naples Equestrian Challenge, will visit Calusa Park Elementary.
Future charitable themes include animal welfare, arts, education and environmental.
The students are provided a Charity for Change membership card and a “Circle of Giving” wristband that they wear to encourage their participation in the program and remind them to give and practice the positive character traits every day.
When students log on to the Web site to play the Counting for Charity math game, they also can earn an additional $3 from the Charity for Change community partners each week for their classroom bank. One hundred percent of the classroom bank goes directly to the charities.
Classes also play weekly word games and puzzles to earn incentive rewards.
“The Charity for Change program has enriched and broadened our students’ understanding of the world while helping us develop their character in a very interactive and applied method,” said Dr. Terrie Mitev, principal of Calusa Park Elementary.
“This is such an awesome program,” said Karey Stewart, principal for Lely Elementary. “The Charity for Change program is truly making a difference in students’ lives.”
For information regarding the School “Giver” Program or to become a community partner, call Karen Conley at 592-6787.