November 2003, Volume 14 Number 8
Community Paper
copyright ©2003 by Community Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.community-paper.com/Archives/PrincetonKidsPennies.html


PRINCETON ELEMENTARY KIDS REMEMBER 9/11

Maggie Rich, Jackson Brown and Kelsey Brown talk about the Thank You Pennies program at the October meeting of the Neighborhood Association.

Princeton Elementary School remembered 9/11this year with a positive program for their students. The project was a "Thank You Pennies" campaign to honor local heroes. The "Thank You" program began with $25 worth of pennies donated by First National Bank of Florida. Teachers were told to keep a pocket full of pennies. When a teacher heard a child say, "thank you," either to the teacher or another student, the child was rewarded with a penny. Students were asked to put their pennies in a large jar in the main hallway. The program was also carried into the student's homes where parents were also asked to reward their children with spare change whenever they heard them using good manners. This money was also added to the jar. The campaign ended on September 11. In about 2 weeks, the students had raised $150, half of the money went to thank the firefighters at the College Park Fire Station #3, and the other half went to thank the College Park CERT team members. College Park CERT used the money to purchase thermal blankets for member's emergency their emergency kits. The students were enthusiastic about this project. Every morning there was an announcement with a quote about the importance of giving thanks. And every day the jar got more full. In fact, one morning, as the jar was being put back on the table in the hallway before school, the table collapsed! The jar had gotten so heavy - the students literally broke the bank! A new container was obtained and money continued to pile up. Parents and students were so proud to be able to contribute to their local heroes. The Firefighters at Station #3 and the College Park Community Emergency Response Team were grateful for the support from the students and parents at Princeton Elementary School. Bill Jennings, College Park CERT Team leader said, "The real heroes in College Park are the students at Princeton Elementary School who made the effort to say thank you so that people who are working to serve the College Park Neighborhood know their efforts are appreciated." Visit College Park Neighborhood Association website at www.CollegeParkOrlando.org.