Dec. 4, 2007 — Even the youngest members of the community have coins in their pockets they can give to help other children through the CASA Pennies from Heaven Challenge.
"Giving pennies is a way for everyone to participate in our fund raiser," said Gail R. Shearer, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). "Not everyone can write a big check or bid in auctions, but we all have change lying around."
The fifth annual CASA challenge has a goal of collecting $25,000 by Feb. 10. Hovensa, the matching sponsor for 2007, will match up to $25,000.
"It's a great time for individuals and companies to make a donation and know their donation will be doubled," Shearer said.
More than 100 collection jars have been placed in schools, banks and local businesses. The elementary and junior high school students really do a great job year after year, Shearer said.
"Last year when we picked up the coins at Claude O. Markoe Elementary School, the trunk of the driver's car was really close to the ground," she said.
Children come up with creative, fun ways to fill jars at school with class competitions and events like car washes, Shearer said. The response has been so good that some elementary schools have asked for more jars. By the time the students get to high school the giving seems to drop off.
"Usually by this time, jars all over the island are full," Shearer said. " I don't know if it is the economy or what."
CASA's budget was cut this year, as with many other agencies in the territory.
"This makes everyone's donation more important this year," Shearer said.
One of the programs that benefits from the drive is Homework Helpers, which started in the spring of this year. Three days a week for two hours after school, teachers work one on one at the CASA office with children served by the agency. They hire a taxi to pick the children up at school, and the foster parents pick them up afterward. CASA has had students earn their highest homework grades ever since joining the program.
Shearer hopes people will look at their gift-buying list and consider making a donation to Pennies from Heaven. CASA will send a thank-you card to the recipient telling them a donation was made on their behalf.
In February CASA traditionally sets up a family fun day at Sunny Isle Shopping Center to wrap up the drive. Watch for more information on the date and time.
"We have to stop thinking, 'Those kids,'" Shearer said. "They are all our kids — they cross our paths in one way or another."
Service clubs, businesses and anyone else who would like donate or to display the collection jars may call 719-2272.
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