Fundraising Efforts Strike a Patriotic Chord

Most poignant were the stories about American school children responding to President Bush's call to focus their fundraising efforts on helping the children of Afghanistan.

"This is an opportunity to help others while teaching our own children a valuable lesson about service and character," Bush said in a speech shortly following the attacks. Afterwards, Americans went into action. The U.S. Postal Service established a special zip code for contributions by children. The American Red Cross launched America's Fund for Afghan Children to which six-year-old Justin Washington of Miami, FL, contributed the first dollar.

Fourth graders at St. Philip's Episcopal School raised $1,500 for the Red Cross in a 110-day bake sale. Students at Northwestern Elementary, Middle and High Schools in Kokomo, Indiana sold patriotic tee shirts. Kristin Strickland, 11, raised money by feeding 15 chickens daily, then collecting and selling their eggs for $1.50 per dozen to her neighbors in Philmont, VA. Three students at Horning Middle School sold candles and bracelets during school functions. Students at Crestwood Elementary, Springfield, VA, donated $2,000 from their annual fundraiser. The list goes on and on.

"We like the idea of kids helping kids," said one high school senior.

As of February 22, school children in America and their families had raised $3.7 million. The money has paid for 1,700 winter jackets, 1,500 winter tents, 10,000 gift parcels, blankets, kitchen sets, emergency health supplies and mobile healthcare units throughout Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey and neighboring Middle Eastern countries.

For more information on America's Fund for Afghan Children, visit the website: http://kidsfund.redcross.org.



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