Emden Grade School students celebrate Day 100 by giving to those in need

 

[February 08, 2020] 

Each year "Day 100" of the school year is a big celebration for students at Emden Elementary school.

The students dress-up like they are 100 years old and they have a 100-day activity assembly. There, the children build a 100 cup tower, make a picture with 100 pattern blocks, make a 100 domino design, build with 100 Legos and a few other 100 day activities.

This year, the school wanted to make 100 Day more about how we can help others and teach our children about giving back. Staff decided to set a goal of collecting 100 items to those in need.

Dana Simmers of the school contacted Patti Becker of the Logan County United Way and asked how the school could help families in Logan County. Becker contacted non-profit organizations around the Lincoln area and those groups responded back to her with lists of items they need the most on a daily basis.

The school sent information home with the kids about the needs and the donations started pouring in.

Emden Elementary School and Hartsburg-Emden Senior Beta Club donated items. The teachers, students, and parents went well above the goal of collecting 100 items for those in need. Important items that went into the donation boxes included diapers, hats, gloves, socks, toiletry items, school supplies and much more.

Emden Kindergarten

On the day of giving, Becker visited the students at the school and spoke with them about their generosity and about helping others.

The items collected were divided up and spread out across several local organizations that serve those in need.

Donations were given to the Salvation Army for the Army Veterans who live at the Keest Center in Lincoln.

Gifts were given to Christian Child Care to be used at the day care.

Fostering Grace is a Logan County organization that helps support families who take in children under the Foster Care program.

The Pregnancy Resource Center in Lincoln assists new moms and families in providing proper care and supplies for their infant and young children.

Donations were given to both Fostering Grace and the Pregnancy Resource Center to help those folks in their good work.
 

And finally, donations were made to the Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois. The items they received may be given to families in need or may be placed for sale in the retail shop they manage in order to raise money for community services.

Simmers said, "A big thank you to our teachers, students, and their parents for all of their donations. We have a wonderful community here at Hartsburg-Emden!"

[Information provided by Dana Simmers]