A dollar at a time: local students spring into action for Haiti relief

Spirit Lake Middle School students recently spearheaded an effort to help the earthquake-ravaged island of Haiti. Their efforts helped raise over $800 for international relief. Students pictured are (first row) Elijah Griffan, Lucy O'Hagen, Taylor Carlson, Bailee Newman, Charlie Duncan, Ryan Marris (second row) Lucas Hoover, Jacob Phillips, Josie Hoien, David Trucksess, Billie Brown (third row) Ms. Horstman, guidance counselor for Spirit Lake Middle School, Emma Dau, Jenna McCoy, Sam Harms, Micheal O'Brien, Axel Johnston and Cindy Voss of the American Red Cross.
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When members of the Spirit Lake Middle School learned of the Haiti earthquake that took place near the Haitian capitol of Partu-au-Prince on Jan. 12, they wasted no time to spring into action.

Watching news reports on the quake in science class that week, students were able to see the amount of destruction affecting the area and its citizens.

At the student council's meeting that week, members brainstormed ideas and landed on a week full of days where students could earn privileges including the chance to to wear pajamas or hats during the school day, and eat candy in study hall by contributing a dollar (or more) to the fundraiser.

Seventh-grade student Emma Dau knew reacting quickly was important.

"We knew that we had to do it as soon as possible because they needed the help as soon as they could get it," Dau said.

Tami Horsman, middle school guidance counselor and student council advisor at Spirit Lake, was impressed by the school-wide engagement that resulted in a total of $813 in funds.

"Just how much we raised was pretty impressive; I think every kid who could participated in some way," Horsman said. "From change to $20 bills; they all just gave what they could. Everybody tried."

The widespread contributions impressed Dau, as well.

"It was really cool because the whole school participated and one of the lunch ladies actually gave a $20 donation," she said.

The fundraiser was especially meaningful to seventh-grade student Jacob Phillips, a native Haitian, who was adopted out of the country at the age of three. For Phillips, who has several relatives still in Haiti, the fundraiser was a way for him to not only help out his birthplace, but also feel the support of his entire school.

Horsman points out that Phillips took an active roll in the fundraiser, helping to collect and count the funds.

Phillips embraced the concept of the fundraiser for the get-go.

"I thought i t was cool -- it sounded like people would want to do it," Phillips said.

Cindy Phillips, Jacob's adoptive mother, could see firsthand the encouragement her son got from the fundraiser.

"I think he's been happy to be of help," she said. "I do know he was happy to be able to do something. I think it did help him."

The student council was able to deliver their contribution to Cindy Voss, executive director of the Iowa Great Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross, who spoke to the impact of the donation.

"Once again we have proof that we have a force greater than mother nature," Voss said.