Donovan students help needy

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Secondgraders at the Laura Donovan School presented a check for more than $1,600 to a representative from Heifer Project International as a result of the past four months of fundraising through the school's "Notes for Goats" concert series. The school expects to raise more with two remaining concerts by kindergarten and first-grade students during the last two months of school.

According to a press release from the school district, Heifer consists of project partners from all over the world to help provide solutions to hunger and poverty.

"It is great to have kids involved in this effort to give them a better sense of global awareness and citizenship," said Patricia Stanley Keay, Northeast community relations coordinator at Heifer.

She told the students how the money will be used to purchase dairy goats for underprivileged families and how their donations will continue on by providing a living creature to help communities for years to come.

"You can always be proud of how you helped other children in need," Keay said.

The concert series was organized by Julia Tibbett, music teacher at Laura Donovan. Each month since January, benefit concerts have been performed by grade level. Thus far, fifth- through second graders have performed and in May and June first-graders and kindergartners will perform.

"The children are very excited about how many goats can be purchased with the money we raised," Tibbett said.

According to Tibbett, a goat can be provided to families for every $120 donated.

Interim Principal Richard Thompson said he is truly impressed with the children and the staff at the school.

"Since the time I started here, I have seen this school community's tremendous effort to help others and I am impressed with Ms. Tibbett's unique idea for donations to Heifer," Thompson said.

A written thank you from Heifer stated, "How inspiring and uplifting your gifts of music and donations for Heifer are for all who are experiencing your concerts and the families who will ultimately benefit from your financial gift."