Every year, Marcie Crosby tries to involve her first grade class in a charity project.

“As a teacher, it is important to teach all the academic requirements and standards. But in addition, I like to teach kids in a way that goes beyond just that. I want to create well-rounded people that care for others and to really learn what the phrase ‘it’s better to give than receive’ means,” Crosby said.

So this year, she received a brochure in her teacher box describing “Trick or Treat for UNICEF.” Once getting permission from Principal Lewis Beacham, her class started the two and a half week fundraiser after fall break.  

All 19 students were participating by asking for donations in   little orange boxes.  The students did most of the fundraising themselves, even donating goods for a UNICEF bake sale for teachers/staff (which raised $90). They would collect money all week, and then count it all out by hand every Friday afternoon for a couple of hours — talk about a great math lesson. Literally, the kids counted out over $70 worth of pennies, which is over 7,000.

1st week goal = $50
    (raised $187)
2nd week goal = $250
    (raised $331)
Final goal = $375
    (raised $420)

Because of a special offer from the Kimberly-Clark Foundation, they will match the donation. Thus, it doubles the power of their donation and helps UNICEF save more children’s lives throughout the world. So,  the class raised approximately $420. With the offer, their donation will jump to $840.

“The kids greatly surpassed all expectations I had, and this will definitely be a new tradition for the future,” Crosby said.