Kids Helping Kids
Schumann Elementary’s Kids Helping Kids project highlights the importance of giving to, and serving others. The project started informally in 2004, when some staff members made fleece blankets to be donated to a local children’s hospital in memory of a colleague’s son. From there, it has grown into an annual project embraced by the entire school community. With the help of school staff and parent volunteers, students make cheerful and cozy items that are donated to local hospitals for pediatric patients requiring long stays. Students are involved in all aspects of the process – they earn money for the materials by doing chores at home, create the projects, and attend an assembly where the projects are received by grateful hospital representatives. One of the goals of the program is to spark lifelong participation in community service projects. Because this project is annual, rather than a one-time event, students are aware of the annual progression of their involvement. Knowing that the kindergartners make room decorations and placemats, first graders make coloring books, and second graders tie fleece blankets creates a sense of continuity.  It illustrates to students that while the activities may change, caring for others remains a lasting value.