Martin Ave. jumps at the chance to help Japan

“You can always help the world in a different way.” That’s just one of the many reasons the Martin Avenue Elementary School Cares Council gives back, sixth-grade President Samantha Doile said.

Martin Avenue, in North Bellmore, recently hosted a “Jump for Japan” fundraiser to benefit the relief effort in the earthquake- and tsunami-ravaged nation. The event, which spanned an entire school day, gave students in all grades the chance to participate in different jumping activities to raise money for the Red Cross. “What happened there was terrible,” said sixth-grader James Moehringer, vice president of the MACC.

Principal Mark Weiner said the idea to raise money for Japan came from the students. “It’s all from the kids,” Weiner said. “We have little kids now, they’ve seen the work that our Student Council has done … and they’re coming up, saying, ‘Can we do an idea like the Student Council?’”

When the earthquake and tsunami struck, Martin Avenue students were immediately aware of the hardships the Japanese people were likely experiencing, Weiner said. As was the case when Haiti was hit by an earthquake last year, the students wanted to help those in need so far away.

Students constantly ask how they can help those who are less fortunate, Weiner said. “Compassion and caring is not contrived, it’s natural,” he added.

During the daylong event, different grades spent a period in the gym jumping rope, springboarding over a high-jump bar and finding other ways to “Jump for Japan.” At the end of each session, the classes joined in a dance to wrap things up.

Parents and family members sent in checks for the cause, as did the North Bellmore administration and other elementary schools in the district.

The day concluded with a volleyball game between Martin Avenue staff members and the MACC. The rest of the school enjoyed the competition, a fitting way to conclude a day of jumping for a good cause.

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