October 12, 2005
State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Announces
California Kids Care Katrina Relief Fundraising Results
$625,366 Raised From Student Donations For Relief Efforts
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced today the results of the California Kids Care program, a volunteer fundraising effort by California students to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
"I'm very proud to announce that California students raised a grand total of $625,366.37 to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts," O'Connell said. "Less than five weeks ago, after Hurricane Katrina so devastated communities in the Gulf Coast, I called on California's schools to voluntarily participate in the California Kids Care project. I thought that by encouraging our students to donate their pennies, nickels, and dimes to the Red Cross, we could teach our students something important about citizenship and turn feelings of hopelessness into genuine helpfulness. Today, I am proud to say that it is our students who have taught us something about what true citizenship and true heart looks like."
O'Connell initiated the California Kids Care program on September 2 to help initiate disaster relief fundraising efforts in schools throughout the state. Nearly 400 schools have reported that they collected disaster relief donations, and some schools are continuing to collect funds for the victims of Katrina. Participating schools were encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross or a charity of their choice.
In response, students around the state dug deep into their own pockets to help others in need. The principal at Crocker/Riverside Elementary, one of the many schools to participate in the program agreed, "I feel the students were really moved by this project. I could see they were motivated to raise money because they truly wanted to help others."
Joe Ayer, the Chief Operating Officer for the Sacramento Sierra Chapter of the American Red Cross said, "We are always grateful for donations from individuals or from organized groups, but money from kids means the most, on an emotional level.It is wonderful to see a community of children come together to help those in need. These funds will be used to help hurricane victims with their immediate emergency disaster needs in the form of emergency food, clothing, and shelter."
At the press conference, O'Connell presented the Red Cross with a ceremonial check representing the $625,366 in student donations. O'Connell will honor each of the schools that participated in the California Kids Care program with a California Department of Education certificate of recognition.
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Image of O'Connell and Students of Crocker/Riverside Elementary School in Sacramento Holding up a Check for $625,366.37: Year 2005 - Video.
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