Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, February 11, 2011

Classes at Lansdowne competed to see who would bring in the most donations during their blanket drive. (Photo: Tammy L. Lane)

During this bitter winter, children at Lansdowne Elementary have been thinking about children in Africa who need a warm blanket at nighttime. So they collected donations in a two-week campaign called “Share the Love,” culminating on Valentine’s Day.

Kids in the Student Technology Leadership Program spearheaded the blanket drive after their adviser told them about her pastor friend in Zambia who could use a hand.

“He has 400 kids in the orphanage, and they only have tables and chairs. Every night those orphans have to sleep on hard, wood floors,” said fifth-grader Lauren Greene, who said one friend even donated her own baby blanket.

Lauren felt especially drawn to this service project since she once knew a girl from Africa who attended Lansdowne a couple of years ago.

“She didn’t have clean water or blankets or anything,” Lauren recalled. “When I heard her story, I felt really sorry for her and just wanted to be her friend.”

Third-grader Lyric Blackford imagines the orphans will be thankful when they receive the nearly 60 blankets. She was glad to do her part, saying, “When people don’t have families, it can be really sad.”

Lindsay Thomas, the technology resource teacher and STLP adviser, noted that outreach is one mission of the club. The international connection also provides a great learning opportunity; she plans to set up a videoconference sometime this spring.

“I hope they’ll remember being able to see Africa themselves and talking with these kids. It’s real life in real time,” Thomas said.  “My goal is to help them understand the culture and the role they can play in helping others.”

To help

Bring donations of blankets or cash to Lansdowne Elementary, 336 Redding Road, or call Lindsay Thomas at (859) 381-3500. Assistance is also needed to pay for shipping.