Christine Cunningham released the following letter that was sent home with Fieldcrest South elementary students. The actions of the 3rd grade students helped saved the lives of children in an orphanage in Haiti.
"For the past 2 years the 3rd grade students in Mrs. Cargill’s and Miss Strack’s classes have decided to forfeit the typical gift exchange, and give to those who are in need."
"This past Christmas, students filled gift bags to send to Val’s Orphanage in Haiti. The students decorated and filled 1-quart Ziploc bags. Each student was asked to bring a gently used t-shirt, as well as, small toys that would fit in the bag. Small health and beauty products were also welcomed. The nice thing about this project was that it cost nothing. Mrs. Megow, parent of John Megow, delivered the filled bags to Keokuk, IA. This group of volunteers traveling to Haiti delivered these packages to the children at Val’s Orphanage. Also, one of these volunteers paid the extra baggage cost associated with flying these packages to Haiti."
"On the day of the earthquake, these packages were delivered to the orphanage. The volunteers related how overjoyed the children were to receive our gifts. Normally, the children rest during the heat of the day. The volunteers left to let the children rest. As they were leaving the orphanage, they felt the earth shaking. As they looked in their rear view mirrors, they saw a large cloud of dust, where there had once been buildings. The volunteers returned to the orphanage to check on the children, and when they called out, there was no response. Since it appeared there was nothing they could do, the volunteers moved on to help others."
"A few days later, one of the volunteers borrowed a motorcycle and returned to Val’s Orphanage where he discovered all of the children and adults in a nearby chicken coop. The volunteer learned that due to the childrens excitement, they had been allowed to remain outside and play longer (the day the gifts from the Fieldcrest students arrived). As a result, when the earthquake struck, the children were clear of the buildings. It was reported that only one child suffered a bump on his head."
"The only building that survived at Val’s Orphanage was the chicken coop. The children of Val’s Orphanage are currently residing in this chicken coop. The 3rd grade students want to help see Val’s Orphanage rebuilt. They are calling on the students (friends) and families of Fieldcrest South to help make this possible. Starting Monday, February 1, through Friday, February 12 all classrooms will be given a container for donations. Look under your couch cushions, in your drawers, wherever you might find some spare change. The donations received will be sent directly to Val’s Orphanage for the purpose of rebuilding."
"Families, please help your child to be a part of such a wonderful cause. The students are thrilled that we are taking part in this activity. They are excited to be able to help other children in need."
"If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Mrs. Cargill at Cargill@fieldcrest.k12.il.us or Miss Strack at lstrack@fieldcrest.k12.il.us. The website for Val’s Orphanage is http://valschildren.weebly.com/index.html and website for Haitian Christian Projects is http://haitianchristianprojects.org. The address for donations is located on this site, and any donation is tax deductible. Remember, any donation made prior to March 1, 2010 to Haiti can be applied to your 2009 tax returns."