"I feel continually challenged to find projects that are relevant for children ages 5-8. I try to make sure they get a sense for the people they are helping in a non-threatening way. For instance, when we were working on our "Fox in Socks" project, I set up a station where the kids could stick their hand in a cold, wet, ripped sock and try to imagine what it would feel like to walk around all day with that on their feet. My goal is to develop empathy in the children without overwhelming them.
Darlene Anderson-Alexander
Facilitator, Consolidated School PTO Kids Care Club
New Fairfiled, CT
The Consolidated School PTO Kids Care Club of New Fairfield, CT was started in 2001 by a parent volunteer, Susan Schenck. One of their first projects was packaging hygiene kits for a local homeless shelter. “We did a school-wide collection of toothbrushes, washcloths, etc. and the kids packaged one of each item into ziplock bags. We started with a group of about 8 kids that first year,” says Susan Schenck, the Club founder. The Kids Care Club at Consolidated was very vibrant in the early 2000’s, participating in many meaningful projects under the guidance of Elizabeth Sousa. Click here to read about their accomplishments.
Darlene Anderson-Alexander, took over the leadership in 2008 and continues expand the Club. There are currently 45 members from grades K-2, limited to 15 from each grade in order to keep meetings manageable and meaningful. Some of the projects are just for Kids Care Club members to work on, while others involve the entire school population. The Club meets every other month, five times during the school year.
During the 2008 Halloween season, Kids Care Club members “scared up” 316 pairs of eyeglasses to be repaired, cleaned, and distributed to people in developing countries around the world. The kids realized that most people in New Fairfield can go to Lens Crafters or Costco whenever they need glasses. This is not the case for those who live in areas that don’t have access to eye care services and stores that provide eye care products. The Kids Care Club members decorated eyewear collection boxes to look like pumpkins wearing glasses. These collection boxes were placed in the other schools and public buildings in New Fairfield and the 316 pairs of glasses were collected for donation to those in need.
In December, the members decorated and stuffed 50 “Pillowcase Pal Packs” for young children entering family foster homes in Westchester County, NY. A school-wide collection yielded Play-Doh, tissues, art supplies, small toys, toothbrushes, and much, much more! Each Club member decorated a pillowcase with happy, playful pictures – all to help the recipients of the “Pillowcase Pal Packs” feel better in potentially scary situations. Then the cases were filled with the wonderful donated items. Before closing up the bags of goodies, each Club member hugged a carefully-chosen stuffed animal and whispered a special message in it's ear to be “delivered” to the child receiving the “Pillowcase Pal Pack”.
In February, the Club honored their elders by hosting an afternoon party at their school. They invited people who regularly attend the Senior Center and also invited older neighbors or grandparents to attend the party. The Club made invitations and decorations. They practiced songs that were sung at a sing-along and the “grandmas and grandpas” joined in. The school music teacher accompanied on the accordion and refreshments were served.
To celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month in April, the Club raised $108.00. The money was raised for fencing at the new dog park. Consolidated students decorated paper “fences” to enclose the “dogs” made by the Kids Care Club members. They sent their “fences” in to school along with a dollar. At the meeting they learned about the importance of caring for animals. Club members learned what dogs need to stay happy and healthy like a safe place to run and play with friends ... just what New Fairfield dogs will be able to do once the new dog park is completed!
The Club also raised funds for the New Fairfield-Sherman Animal Welfare Society. Consolidated then “Went Orange for Animals” on April 9th as part of a nation-wide movement of the ASPCA. Staff members and students wore orange clothes and accessories to demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare. The Consolidated School PTO Kids Care Club wants to prove to all that "Kid Power" really can make a difference in the lives of everyone – human and non-human alike!
Other projects that the Club has been involved with are:
The
school’s art teacher, Tom Lovelett, helped immensely with this project, preparing the clay, glazing all of the bowls, and firing them in the school kiln for the Club. He says, “What a wonderful way for children to be involved in something that extends way beyond themselves while learning a lifelong lesson that giving from the heart - one’s time, energy, and resources – to help those less fortunate or in need is an important part of who a human being is. I am proud to have had some small part in helping the Club."
Club members enjoyed this project too. Riley, a Kindergarten member said, “[My favorite thing was] making bowls because I liked playing with clay and it helps them with eating food. Some people don’t have enough food to eat and that’s sad.” Second grader Ainsley commented, "I like Kids Care Club because I like to help people and care for them. I liked making the bowls to help hungry people.”
Congratulations to all the members of the Consolidated PTO Kids Care Club for reaching out to people ( and animals!) in their community. We commend their facilitator, Darlene-Anderson-Alexander, for offering her young club members meaningful ways to respond to those in need.
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