Illinois—When Hinsdale Adventist Academy students learned about the orphans aided by the Nhlengelo Community Center—a mission project in Dwarsloop, South Africa, supported by the North American Division Education Office and Hope for Humanity—they got involved, in a big way! Students were challenged to raise money in a Penny War challenge, and they had fun doing it.
Isaac Lespinasse, a first grader, collected money from not only his neighbors, but he went door to door in surrounding neighborhoods as well. He also collected money outside a Wal-Mart store. In fact, he went out to collect money almost every day during spring break! In the end, he collected more than $300!
Christian Reyes, Madeleine Bokich and Allan Baek—all first graders—each gave money from their own piggy banks. Sophia Garza collected money from the neighbors in her apartment building, and pet sat for her neighbor to earn money to donate to the cause.
The second grade class had similar stories. For example, Claudia Vasquez raised more than $75 by getting her friends involved in soliciting funds at her church. She made a collection box with pictures of the orphan children on the outside for people to put their contributions inside. Joel Guerra donated his entire portion, a total of $91, from his and his sister's savings. Lael Agard gave her birthday money.
Stories like this came from every class, and as third grader Gabriel Zita wrote, "I think [helping the children] is important because it can make our world both a better place and stronger, and less people will die in Africa. I know helping others makes the world a better place, and I know I can help."
And Ingrid Nica wrote, "I think it's important because I want to help kids and people because I care about them, even if I don't know them. I want to help in any way I can."
In the end, the Hinsdale Adventist Academy students raised $4,000 for the children of Nhelengo, and had a great time doing it. As a reward, all classes which reached their goal of raising $5 per student (11 out of 13) were given a "No Uniform Day," and the entire school received ice cream (thanks to our friends at Culver's). It's important to note that the 6th grade class raised the most money, $701.25. This class happens to be the smallest class in the school! It just goes to show that good things do come in small packages!
To learn more about the Nhlengelo Community Center, visit the Hope for Humanity website: www.hope4.com.
Rebecca Garrett, marketing director, Hinsdale Adventist Academy
