The Pawling Kids Care Club 3rd graders of Pawling, NY participated in 4 projects. Each class chose a different project. One group of students created a project they named Soldier Care Packs. They brainstormed a list of items they thought soldiers overseas needed. Ideas from a flyer from the group Semper Fi Parents of the Hudson Valley were also used and many donations were collected. The children created colorful greeting cards to accompany the packages that were sent to our U.S. soldiers stationed overseas.

Another class chose to participate in Animal Friends. They made a list of items and had a collection to support a local animal shelter. When Mary, the veterinary technician, came to visit the class, she brought some of her animal friends. She talked with the children about caring for pets and, to everyone's amazement, demonstrated how a bunny could be gently hypnotized.

Students in two other classes voted to participate in Giggle Bags. These are gift bags filled with objects that would make a child smile. The children formulated a list of items, collected their donations, and then decorated and packed the gift bags that were delivered to a local area shelter. Deborah Gibson, Facilitator