Thornapple Kellogg High School members of the Barry County Youth Advisory Council (YAC) met with fifth graders for a few weeks to talk about what philanthropy is, why it’s important for communities, and how anyone can be a philanthropist. They specifically talked about the “3 T’s” of philanthropy - giving of one’s “time, talents, and treasures” as they continued a longstanding Circle of Giving project.
Several different charitable organizations in Barry County came to speak with the Page students about what their organizations do and how they help others. From there, each fifth-grade class voted on which organization they would support with their classroom donation.
Students were then encouraged to bring in donations. Some brought in spare change. Others did a few extra chores at home to earn some extra money they could donate. It was strictly voluntary. Students were not required to make any donations. There was simply a jar in the room where money was collected.
Friday, classes counted the money in the jars and made the donations to representatives of the organization their class chose. In all, Page Elementary fifth graders donated $623.49 to four organizations - the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force, Barry County YMCA, Green Gables, and Barry County United Way.
High School YAC member Payton Gater thanked the students for giving and helping others. “This doesn’t have to be the end of giving for you. You can help the circle of giving continue. Remember the 3 T’s of philanthropy - giving of your time, talent and treasures.”