Elementary school students

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No small change: White County pre-kindergarten helps babies

Students at White County pre-kindergarten in Cleveland, Georgia, were told that if their class was the top fundraising class in the school, they would have a cupcake and Popsicle celebration. But that was not all they were told. The teachers at White County Pre-K took the time to explain to the students why the change they mined from their piggy banks and parents was important. It was to help babies.

The message of helping sick babies was not lost on the pre-kindergarteners. Says pre-kindergarten teacher Shannon Standridge, "This sparked something that we never expected. One little girl lost her first tooth and received a dollar from the tooth fairy. She brought it in and donated it. She also donated her monthly allowance, which was $20! We told her that she did not have to do that, and her reply was, 'It is for the babies.'"

Inspired by the efforts of teachers Shannon Standridge and Yvette Gooch, the tooth fairy was not the only source of contributions to help every baby be born healthy. One girl collected pennies on a daily basis from her parents, grandmother and aunt by recruiting them to find pennies for the babies. Change came in coffee cans and Ziploc bags from floorboards and car seats. Throughout the campaign, it was clear that the children not only wanted to give, but also they knew why they were giving.

"We are so impressed by their unselfishness and giving that we are in awe of what they raised," comments Standridge. "The giving was amazing. I wanted to share our story and tell what large hearts these four year olds have." The students in Shannon Standridge and Yvette Gooch’s class raised over $200 to help give every baby a healthy start, and White County pre-kindergarten finished their fundraising campaign with over $500. Their generosity exemplifies that giving begins at even the youngest of ages.