A lesson in giving: Bay View students help Haitians

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RIVERSIDE—In the wake of the horrible earthquakes which ravaged the island nation of Haiti, St. Mary Academy Bay View’s fifth grade gave up their recess for two weeks, instead sequestering themselves in classrooms to make yarn babies and octopuses to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

The babies and octopuses were sold on February 1st, the Community Day of Catholic School Week, for a donation of $1.

After making yarn babies for a reading project, several fifth graders thought the same cute dolls could be sold to generate funds for the on-going efforts in the devastated country.

Numerous local companies have already pledged to match the money raised. Bob Dunning, Catholic Channel radio personality, has already bought twenty of the yarn babies.

Bay View Academy is “proud of the fifth graders for their continued compassionate commitment to others.” Proceeds from the sale of the yarn babies and octopuses will be donated to the Catholic Relief Services for Haiti.

A spirited prayer service was also held for the people of Haiti at Bay View Middle and Elementary schools on Wednesday, January 27. The girls, lead by Mrs. Jeanne Nadeau, campus minister, felt that positive thoughts and prayers would be a reflection of the spirit of the Haitian people as they strive to recover from the devastating earthquake that shook the island.

- Courtesy of St. Mary Bay View Academy.

Photos: Karen Hanrahan

CRAFTS FOR HAITI: Fifth graders, above, at St. Mary Academy Bay View in Riverside participate in a fundraiser for Haiti. From left to right, Adriana Dady, Jillian Federico, and Astrid Breggia are excited to help Haitians by making yarn babies and octopuses to raise money for victims of the recent earthquake.