Students raise $607 for homeless
SPRINGFIELD TWP. – Students at Springfield Elementary School dug deeply into their pockets and their hearts to help the homeless this year. According to Jodi Curry, president of the school’s parent-teacher group (PTG), the students’ response to the Hearts of Hope Program, sponsored by the Washington City Mission Inc., in Washington, was simply overwhelming.
“The children collected over $607,” said Curry. “And, they learned that a heart full of quarters would feed a homeless person at the shelter for an entire day. They additionally learned that a heart full of dollar bills would feed and clothe a homeless person for one day.”
Curry said she learned about the Hearts of Hope Program when she received a letter in the mail.
“I thought that it sounded like a great program and a great opportunity for the kids to get involved, and the school principal agreed,” said Curry. “We, as a nation, recently observed National Homeless Hunger Week, and I thought that this would be a good way for the students to participate in the national observance.”
Curry said that when all was said and done, the donation box was so heavy that she had to get the janitor to lift the box of money that was collected.
“The kids brought in quarters, dollars and/or $5 bills to put in the heart-shaped collection cards,” said Curry. “Each card had slots to hold the money, and if the entire card was filled with just quarters, it would provide a total of $5 to the shelter.
Curry said $5 would cover the cost of three meals for one homeless person for one day. She also said the children took great pride in the fact that they were able to participate in the project.
Curry said that 19 percent of the people who are considered homeless actually have jobs.
According to the Washington City Mission Web site, services are provided to as many as 50 men and 13 women and children who must participate in a work and growth program.
To receive services, a person must be homeless, able to participate in a work program and cannot be on narcotic medications.
The mission provides safe, confidential, emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children for up to 60 days in a six-month period.
The shelter operates a wide variety of services, including a 24-hour hotline for counseling.
Curry said this year’s Hearts of Hope Program was so successful that the PTG is considering participating in it again next year.