Emergency Services Newsletter - Southeastern PA

Eighth Graders Show How to Make a Big Difference

Their service project has resulted in a $2,000 donation to SEPA’s disaster relief fund, educational materials on preparedness (from floods to fires to hurricanes), and disaster kits for children.

“When the students returned to school in September, Hurricane Katrina was still a major story.  And when I told them about the district-mandated service project, they couldn’t think of a better topic for their project than Preparedness,” said Crystal Martin, teacher at Salzberger Middle School.

Utilizing resources like the Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the children made informational poster boards and presented them to their peers at the school. 

Additionally, they held a fundraiser, selling juice and water at fifty cents a glass to raise $2,000 for local disaster relief.

On top of it all, they put together little school bags filled with disaster supplies, especially for children, complete with coloring books, flashlights, toothbrushes & toothpaste.

The items, along with the money raised, were presented to Tom Foley, CEO of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross, during a check presentation at their school.

“These kids are terrific role models for their generation and for mine.  They analyzed and developed a three-part plan–education, direct assistance to children [disaster kits] and the American Red Cross [$2000 donation].  I can't wait to see what these kids do in the future,” said Foley.

As the 30 young men and women head to high school next year, their teacher says she’ll always remember this remarkable group of students.

“I am so extremely proud of them.  They’ve overcome the stigma that children these days no longer care about their community.  In doing this project, they’ve made others want to care,” said Ms. Martin.