SCHOOL“Giver” PROGRAM
G
iving is easy at almost any age. And even the smallest
acts of kindness from our youngest residents help
make the world a better place. At least that’s what
Charity for Change strongly believes and sets out to accomplish through its highly acclaimed School “Giver” Program.
Since beginning in 2008, the School “Giver” Program,
affectionately known for its “Giver” mascot, has helped
teach young children about philanthropy, as well as develop
important math skills. The program has reached and touched
more than 5,400 children. “It’s an honor to provide this educational tool to support the academic and social development
of our future generation of volunteers, leaders and philanthropists,” Karen Conley, president and CEO, states.
To get students started, they learn about several local
charities’ missions and activities, then select specific ones to
actively support throughout the school year. Students donate
spare change, hold mini-fundraisers and volunteer for their
chosen organizations. The program not only educates but
thoroughly engages their young minds.
“I was in first grade when I started in the “Giver” Program, and
I’ll be in middle school this year. I’ve had lots of fun learning
about charities. The visits from the charities helped me see how
my donations helped others.
“The math games and puzzles gave me
ideas of ways to give and how to follow
the character traits. The “Giver” Program
helped me to understand the importance
of giving and volunteering. I will take
these experiences with me into the future,”
Abby Henning from Calusa Park Elementary says.
“The ‘Giver’ Program is important to my classroom because it
not only helps teach math skills, but it teaches valuable character traits, shows students that it is g ood to give, and it allows
the students to help the community and brings the community
into the classroom,” Kathryn Klein, second grade teacher,
Calusa Park Elementary, adds.
Over the past several years, the Community Foundation of
Collier County has granted close to $17,000 supporting the
operations of this innovative program, which in turn has
helped students and community partners raise $82,000 for
local charities.
“It’s a Great Day
to Give!”
Teachers appreciate this highly engaging, multi-faceted program not only for what it adds to the current curriculum but
most importantly—it makes learning fun. Students enjoy an
interactive website, puzzles, games, puppet shows, incentive
prizes, animated and live mascots, awards assemblies, and
classroom visits and thank-you letters from the 72 charities
participating in the program.
Community Foundation of Collier County | cfcollier.org
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