Bead for Life

CALIFORNIA, MISSOURI (California Democrat) - California Elementary students second through fifth grade, who are part of the Quest program taught by Heidi Loring have been studying about global issues in the world.

Over the last month they have been looking at poverty and focusing on how education, food, water and sustainability contribute to this global epidemic. They have also looked at how they can help.

Through the program they have started a volunteer service project with the Bead for Life organization. Bead for Life helps impoverished hard working men and women from Uganda rise out of their extreme poverty by selling their hand made jewelry here in North America. The jewelry is made with recycled paper. After requesting and receiving the beads the students and Loring sold them at the Elementary, Middle and High School during parent/teacher conferences on Oct. 26, 29 and 27. An assortment of necklaces, single or band bracelets, earrings, jewelry bags and loose beads were on sale for prices ranging from $5 to $30. Through the sales and generous donations, the students were able to raise over $1,000 for the charity. Loring talked about what the project has meant to her.

"It has been really exciting," Loring said. "to see what the kids have learned about the men and women in Uganda. It has also been fun to watch them step up to the plate and do something and learn how to be salespersons. I appreciate all the people who supported our service project both those who purchased items and those who donated to help people get out of poverty in Uganda."

All profits will be sent to Bead for Life. The jewelry left is still for sale. For more information, email Loring at heidi.loring@californiak12.org. The jewelry will also possibly be for sale at the Fall Extravaganza Nov. 14 at California Elementary. For more information about Bead for Life, go to www.beadforlife.org

Copyright 2009 California Democrat
Updated 389 hours ago   Article ID# 169720

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