PleasantAvenueHeartsForHope

Under the guidance of fifth grade student teachers Brittany Helmer and Michelle Valenti, the Pleasant Avenue community recently engaged in a special fundraiser to assist the people of Japan, raising a generous $439 in a week's time. Those funds will be added to the Shelter Box donations collected by Glebe Street School.

Ms Helmer and Ms Valenti, from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, promoted a service learning project in which paper hearts could be purchased between March 24 and April 1 in exchange for a donation as follows: white hearts - 50¢; pink hearts - $1; large hearts - $5. Donations were accepted every day before and after school, as well as at the Pleasant Avenue Talent Show. The "Hearts for Hope" were then labeled with the donor's name and placed on display in the school.

In addition to assisting relief efforts for those devastated by the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, "Hearts for Hope" provided an opportunity to teach Pleasant Avenue students about direct service, indirect service and advocacy, raising their awareness of how to become involved in their community, as well as helping others around the world.

Hearts for Hope - Thank You

April 4, 2011

Dear Families,

We would like to thank you greatly for all of the support we have received in the Hearts for Hope Japan relief. The donation drive ended on Friday April 1st and was a huge success because of the wonderful, caring community at Pleasant Avenue. Your generosity has helped raise 439 dollars for the people of Japan.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to the members of student council for their donation of 75 dollars. The students unanimously chose to make a difference for many, many people in need and supported a community service effort in their school.

Again, we truly appreciate your kindness in all our efforts to support the people of Japan. The Hearts for Hope are displayed on the bulletin board just outside of the cafeteria, to remind students of how they can make a difference (shown below). Together we have helped change the lives of several disaster victims by sending hope to those who need it most.

Thank You,

Brittany Helmer and Michelle Valenti - the 5th grade student teachers

The Pleasant Avenue Staff