Little hearts, big change at St. Mark's

Preschoolers at St. Mark’s Cooperative Nursery School learned that small things, and small people can make a difference in helping out in times of crisis. The 2-5-year olds participated in the Clinton/Bush Haiti Fund drive, “Little Hearts, Big Change” for earthquake victims in Haiti. The goal of the program is to emplower even the youngest children to recognize that they can take an active role in the world, by being a part of the solution during a crisis.

St. Mark’s schoolchildren worked on various chores at home that parents rewarded with money. "I cleaned the basement! I made my bed without my mom asking! I washed the dog!," they told their teachers, and the children deposited those earnings — over $250 — in giant jars in their classrooms. Carol Lombardi’s four-year classes raised the most of all classes in the school, and were treated to an ice cream party on May 25 to celebrate.  

Shirley Perri, director of the nursery school, said a program like this fits with the school’s philosophy, where hands-on activities play an important role. “This kind of project helps children to feel more secure in their world, since they can take an active role in a tragedy they may see on television. Children can learn at a very early age the benefits of giving.