Children helping children

Students at the Intercommunity Cooperative Nursery School (ICNS) in Lynbrook recently joined in an effort to help children in Japan who have been effected by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

Called “Cranes for Kids: Giving Hope to the Children of Japan,” Osh Kosh B’Gosh offered to donate an article of clothing for each paper crane it receives through April 25 — up to 50,000 articles. Students at the school produced and sent about four dozen cranes they made before the Spring vacation break. 

“We are always looking for ways that the children can help others in need,” said ICNS parent Juliette Diamand of Rockville Centre. “This came to my attention, and I thought it was perfect for the 3- and 4-year-olds. The children can’t possibly grasp what happened in Japan, but they can understand that if I make this crane, it can turn into a shirt

or a pair of pants for a child who doesn’t have a shirt or pair

of pants.”

“There are charitable things we do year in, year out, that are built into the calendar, but new opportunities arise every year,” said ICNS’s Director Renee Kaplan. “We are a school built around fundraising and community. It is central to our

mission.”  

The Osh Kosh website explained the crane connection: “In Japanese culture, cranes are a powerful symbol of health and well-wishes. In fact, the Japanese people believe that anyone who makes 1,000 origami cranes will have a wish granted. While we can’t grant every wish, we can make a difference.”