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Media Contact: Dina Horwedel, Public Education Director, 303-426-8900

Young Philanthropists Put Their Hearts into Giving

A fourth-grade class in Downers Grove, Illinois has proven that kids can make a difference. For years, students at Avery Coonley School have studied American Indian history, and their research culminates in an annual fair at which they showcase what they have learned about the American Indian tribes that they study.

This year the students decided they wanted to give back to the people of the cultures that they studied. After researching many Native organizations, the class chose the American Indian College Fund as a donor organization, according to their teacher, Mrs. Rebecca Kleps, because "we believe that education is the key to overcoming many barriers, and that our money could have the greatest effect through your organization." Kleps continued, "As one of my young students remarked, 'By getting a good education, the Native Americans participating in the Fund can get good jobs and help other Native Americans in need. One Native American lawyer or nurse can help many other Native Americans get what they deserve.'"

The class rolled up their sleeves and went to work to raise money for the Fund. As part of the fair, they prepared a philanthropy booth where they raffled homemade baked goods, fry bread, and maple syrup candy. They also sold hand-crafted jewelry, craft kits, pottery, and bookmarks they made that highlighted the tribes that they studied, paying careful attention to historic and cultural accuracy, according to Kleps. To advertise the event, many students gave up their recess time to create and hang promotional posters for the fundraiser.

The students raised $786 for the Fund and sent a beautiful note to the Fund which everyone signed.

We at the Fund are humbled by these young people and their big hearts. We would like to thank Anthony, Jack, Malika, Julia, Emma W., Joseph, Michael B., Alison, Dhanya, Alden, Ben, Jacob, Christian, Tristan, Suzanne, Madeline, Michael F., Magali, Nathan, Joelle, Rishi, Everett, Emma M., Maria, Nikita, Isabella, Robert, Wells, Sonia, Nicole, Avi, Daniel and their kind teachers, Mrs. Rebecca Kleps and Mr. Darrell Maskell for their hard work and helping to "pay it forward" to help others enjoy the fruits of an education.