Kiwanis-sponsored student clubs help Meals on Wheels

Last fall, the Asa Low Jr. Intermediate School Builders Club discussed community projects they wanted to support during the holiday season. The club agreed to help organize the annual Kiwanis of Mansfield/Afternoon holiday baskets for Meals on Wheels (MOW) recipients in Mansfield. Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County “promotes the dignity and independence of older adults, persons with disabilities, and other homebound persons by delivering nutritious meals.”

Calling on ideas they found on the MOW website, the members decided first on a fundraiser. All Asa Low students were invited to make a cash donation that would be used to purchase useful gifts. Over $230 was donated by students; the club purchased lighted magnifying glasses and long-handled grabbers for the MOW clients in Mansfield. Students that made a donation decorated paper cars, which are displayed on a club created paper road near the Asa Low Builders Club meeting room. Next, the club solicited help from several other Kiwanis-sponsored clubs in Mansfield. The Timberview High School Key Club members made fleece scarves that would be attached to the grabbers. The Erma Nash Elementary K-Kids and the Legacy Key Club members made Holiday cards. When it was time to put everything together, the Mansfield High School Key Club members joined the Asa Low Builders Club at a meeting to help out. Finally, Kiwanis of Mansfield Afternoon members assisted at the Wesley Mission Center in distributing the gifts to the local Meals on Wheels drivers.

A card from Meals on Wheels offered thanks from the Mansfield clients who received these gifts: “Thanks to each and every one of you who made it possible for our Meals on Wheels clients in Mansfield to receive such lovely gifts this holiday season.”

This project truly exemplified the Kiwanis Builders Club vision to develop competent, capable, caring leaders through the vehicle of service.

Guest post submitted by Cheryl Litke, Kiwanis of Mansfield Afternoon
www.kanmansfield.org

Toys for Tots 2013 Community Event brings in over 19K toys

You did it again. Thank you so much to everyone in the Mansfield ISD community who donated toys and/or came out on Wednesday, December 11 to The Center for the DFW Toys for Tots drop-off event with FOX 4.

We had another huge crowd of parents, students, staff, and people throughout the community who came by to support this effort. FOX 4 personnel and DFW Toys for Tots organizers were once again impressed with the magnitude of our toy drive and community event.

Our 2nd Annual community-wide event at The Center was held on Wednesday, December 11, from 5:00-10:30 p.m. Starting the event was a Parade, followed by free Santa photos, a pair of real reindeer to pet, indoor crafts, inflatable bounce activity, music, hot cocoa, onstage student performances inside and out, food trucks, and much more. The district exceeded our toy collection from last year; early estimates indicate that over 19,300 toys were collected this year and over $8,000 for DFW Toys for Tots!

 

Special thanks go out to the Mansfield Police Department, high school mascots, Mansfield High School Drill Team, Summit High School Band, James Coble Middle School Cheerleaders, Legacy High School Drill Team, Mansfield Fire Department, Peter Ponce, MISD Fine Arts, MISD Police, MISD Athletics SAMS Club in Mansfield, Top of Texas Photography, Mansfield Mayor, David Cook, Savvy’s Bistro, MISD volunteers, Huckabee, Inc., Ben Barber Career Tech Academy Auto Tech, BCB Transport in Mansfield, Lone Star Irrigation Association, Shepard Intermediate assistant principal, Josh Roberts, MISD Warehouse crew, Texas Trust Credit Union, Home Depot, Mansfield Methodist Medical Center, Starbucks, Frost Bank, Two Men and a Truck, Mattress cleaning dudes, , Sports Clips, and all MISD schools and departments for promoting and participating at the event.

Bikes for Angels 2013 Campaign

The Automotive Technology Department at Mansfield ISD’s Ben Barber Career Tech Academy is kicking off their school fundraiser for the 2013 Bikes for Angels Fund.

From Rick Curlee, Auto Tech Teacher at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy:

We dedicate our Bikes for Angels fundraiser to Mr. Jerry Bellows. We lost Mr. Bellows in January 2013 to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Mr. Bellows was very instrumental in our Bikes for Angels Program. Since starting in 2007, our students have raised over $102,000 to purchase 2,416 bicycles for Angel tree children at our Intermediate and Elementary schools in Mansfield and surrounding areas. We have also donated bikes to other community organizations such as the Common Ground Network in Mansfield and Bethlehem Baptist Church as well as the Family Crisis Center and Operation Blessing.

It means so much for the instructors and students who put time, energy, heart and soul into this program to see the Counselors, Principals, Teachers and some of the recipients with tears of joy in their eyes.

We are starting this new school year with the main goal of trying to buy at least 700 bicycles this year for needy children who would otherwise not get bikes for Christmas. We have had students bringing in everything from plastic bags full of change to one student who actually turned over his weekly paycheck to help these children in the past. We've also had many students who had been on Angel Trees when they were younger themselves so thankful for the opportunity to give back to their community.

We ask that you consider helping us again this year to meet our goal by making a donation of any kind. Some examples are listed below:

• Cars, running or not, and in any shape (Cars must have title)
• Scrap metal
• Checks, cash, even your spare change is accepted 
• It all adds up to bicycles!

Students will visit classrooms, businesses, and their immediate communities trying to raise funds. We also welcome sponsorship for our cause.

If you'd like to donate by check, please make it out to: Bikes for Angels.
Contact Mr. Rick Curlee at MISD Ben Barber Career Tech Academy for receipt of donation or other additional information.
Email: rickcurlee@misdmail.org
Phone: 817-299-1939
Note: All monies raised will go to bicycles. There are no administrative costs. 

Check out some photos from the 2013 Bike for Angels Campaign!

Icenhower Intermediate students donate supplies for DFW homeless children

Della Icenhower Intermediate School held its annual Baby Supply Drive to benefit Captain Hope's Kids, which helps our area homeless children.

"The Icenhower Character Club has sponsored this drive the past four years and it's a pleasure and an honor to see kids helping kids," said Icenhower Counselor, Lisa Fields.

Captain Hope's Kids is dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless children. Over the past two years, Captain Hope’s Kids has raised and donated over $1.3 million in clothes, diapers, school supplies and much more to the homeless children of North Texas.

Wester Middle School continues tradition of support for Mansfield Cares

While catching up on some items shared before the winter break, we came across some impressive campus news from one of our middle schools:



Brooks Wester Middle School students, teachers and staff gathered around the Wildcat Angel Tree and presented Mansfield Cares representatives a donation check for $4,335. The Angel Tree collection has been a tradition at Wester for 10 years and each year the goal is to do better than the last year. The teachers challenge students in various ways to think of others for character-building and give to a special cause. The Wildcats rose to the occasion and did a great job, especially since this collection came soon after the school's student council Canned Food Drive and during the district's Toys for Tots campaign.

Well done, Wildcats!

Toys for Tots Community Event a Great Success

That. Was. Awesome.

Thank you so much to everyone in the Mansfield ISD community who donated toys and/or came out last night to The Center for the Toys for Tots drop-off event. We had a huge crowd of parents, students, staff, and people throughout the community who came by to support this effort. The media team from FOX 4 and organizers from DFW Toys for Tots were thrilled and impressed with the magnitude of our toy drive and community event. All of you did that. Well done!

Did you go? Please share some of your photos from last night's Toys for Tots event at The Center and we'll add them to our online photo gallery. Please send event photos to mansfieldisd [at] gmail.com.

Earlier in the day, we started gathering toys from around the district.

Buses are going around MISD picking up over 12,800 toys from schools for tonight's #ToysForTots drop-off event @ The Center w/ @

Updated (December 14): We received a final count from the DFW Toys for Tots warehouse on the total number of toys and donations from the MISD drive - 16,148 toys and $15,550 in donations!

Thank you to all of the student performers, school and local business volunteers who provided activity booths, event organizers, sponsors and partners, and of course FOX 4 and DFW Toys for Tots for letting MISD be a part of something big.

Toys for Tots Drive and Community Event - Dec 12

Join Mansfield ISD and Toys for Tots for a community-wide FREE event at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 from
5:00 - 10:30 p.m.

Live FOX 4 TV coverage between 5:00-6:30 p.m. and 9:00-10:30 p.m. broadcasts

We will have FREE Santa photos to all bringing a (new, unwrapped) toy, a pair of real reindeer to pet, crafts, face-painting, fire truck, inflatable bounce activity, music, high school drumlines, popcorn, hot cocoa, entertainment, and much more.

Toy collection boxes are also available at every Mansfield ISD campus and many local businesses. All are invited to bring collection boxes with toys to the December 12 community drop-off event.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October - December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area.

Download and print the Event Flyer (PDF):

Bikes for Angels 2012 Campaign

Automotive Technology Department at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy kicked off their annual Bikes for Angels Fundraiser for Christmas 2012 earlier this fall.
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Update: Fantastic work by the auto tech students at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy for their Bikes for Angels campaign. Over 450 bikes were purchased, built, and are being distributed this week to needy kids in the area. Thank you to everyone who helped in this campaign. Check out the photo gallery from the campus presentation of bikes.

 

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From Rick Curlee, Auto Tech Teacher at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy:
We are dedicating the Bikes for Angels fundraiser to Mr. Jerry Bellows (pictured above) from this point forward. Mr. Bellows is suffering with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and was very instrumental in starting our Bikes for Angels Program.

Our students have purchased 2,017 bikes and raised over $86,250.00 to buy bicycles for Angel tree children at our Intermediate and Elementary schools here in the Mansfield area. We also donated bikes to Common Ground in Mansfield and Bethlehem Baptist Church. We also have donated bikes to the Family Crisis Center which assists battered women and children and Operation Blessing. It means so much for the instructors and students delivering these bikes to see Counselors, Principals, Teachers and some of the recipients with tears of joy in their eyes.

We are starting this new school year with the main goal of trying to buy at least 700 bicycles this year for needy children who would otherwise not get bikes for Christmas. We have had students bringing everything in from Ziploc bags full of change to a student turning over his weekly paycheck to help some of these children in the past. We have also had many students who had actually been on Angel Trees when they were younger themselves.

We would sincerely like to ask you to help us meet the goal this year by making a donation of any kind to our fund. We can use almost any type of donation.
Some examples are listed below.

• Cars, running or not, and in any shape. Cars must have title and will either be resold or scrapped.
• Scrap metal.
• Checks, cash, even your spare change is accepted. It all adds up to bicycles.

Students will be visiting classrooms, businesses, and their immediate communities trying to raise funds. Thank you for considering this year's Bikes for Angels campaign. If you give by check, please make it out to "MISD Auto Tech" and put Bikes for Angels in the memo line.

For questions about the program, please email Mr. Rick Curlee at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy at rickcurlee@misdmail.org or contact by phone at 817-299-1939.

Anderson Elementary 3rd Grade Entrepreneurs

Charlotte Anderson Elementary third graders studied economics this six weeks and learned real-world connections by planning and operating a successful business at school for three days with all proceeds being donated to SafeHaven of Tarrant County, a local charity that supports children and seeks to end domestic violence. (Read related post from SafeHaven.)

The project, Third Grade Trinket Trunk, was a student-run store along with assistance from their teacher sponsors.

Parents donated items to be sold (slap bracelets, colorful shoe laces, pen bracelets, jelly spike bracelets, temporary tattoos, fun pencils, erasers, etc.). In three days, the store earned $700 to donate to SafeHaven.

Summit High School's FROG Week 2012

Guest post by Emily Waneck, Summit High School Pre-AP English 1/English 1teacher and Student Council Sponsor

What is FROG week? FROG week stands for Friends Reaching Out and Giving. Every year, student council along with the entire student body at Summit High School adopt a child from the Make-A-Wish foundation and have one week to raise enough money to grant the child’s wish.

This year, our child’s name is Sienna. She is a 7th grader at a junior high in Arlington and wishes to go to Florida and Disney World. Here is more about our wish child: Sienna, age 13.

When Sienna was born, she only weighed 4 lbs 15oz , and her mother had only gained 9 lbs. during her pregnancy. After Sienna struggled with eating as an infant, her mother took her to the doctor. When they tested her, Sienna's hemoglobin was only at a 6. Sienna remained in the hospital for almost 3 months. She had every test done imaginable including, bone marrow extraction, a sweat test, tests to check for cancer, etc. Finally after two weeks her family was given a tentative diagnosis of MMA (Methylmalonic Acidemia) with Homocystinuria, but by that time all her organs were failing. She was put on a ventilator and they conducted blood exchanges because her red blood cells were fragmenting.

“We were told to call our families as she was not going to make it through the night,” recalls her mother. “I prayed so hard that night asking God to please let her live and I would take her however he wanted to give her to me and I meant it.”

She lived through the night and started improving a little. Although she was improving she was still a very sick little girl. Said her mother, “at the time of diagnosis we were told there were only 19 children with this diagnosis and that several had died.”

 Now at 13, Sienna has lost her vision due to her illness and reads braille.

Because of our love for Sienna and other children in similar situations, the Summit High Student Council and the Make-a-Wish Foundation have teamed up to grant Sienna’s wish of going to Disney World and Florida. However, we need YOUR help to make her wish come true! Monetary donations help most immediately, but service and time donations are also greatly appreciated. Our student council and school will need as many donations as possible to make this wish come true. Our goal is to raise at least $7,000 for our child. Any donation helps in the long run, whether it is 5 cents or 100 dollars. All contributions will be appreciated.
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Read more in the SHS Jagwire student newspaper.
Contact Emily Waneck via email EmilyWaneck [at] misdmail.org.

School Supply Time - Common Ground Network

As the number of Mansfield ISD families in need continues to grow, there are many opportunities to lend a helping hand. Each year, hundreds of MISD families receive help with school supplies through Common Ground Network’s School Supply Program.

Sounds great! How does it work?

The Common Ground Network works diligently to find families that qualify for assistance and provide each child with a bag of school supplies (about $25 per child) and a Payless Shoe Store voucher for a new pair of shoes. The organization purchases many of the supplies in bulk, to keep the costs as low as possible.

The collection process begins in May to ensure that all qualifying students receive the necessary supplies by August. Volunteers from throughout the community will come together in August to prepare and distribute the supplies before school starts.

Does Your Family Need Help Purchasing School Supplies?

Necesita Su Familia Ayuda Para La Compra De Articulos Escolares?

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How can I help?

If your organization would like to support this program, send your tax deductible donation, made payable to Common Ground Network (Memo: School Supplies) to:

Common Ground Network
P.O. Box 1049
Mansfield, TX 76063

Contributors’ names will appear in the Mansfield News-Mirror as a Mansfield children’s supporter. The Common Ground Network will also provide a letter to each contributor for tax purposes.

In order for the organization to determine the number of students they will be able to assist, donations must be received by June 30.

Remember, when it comes to promoting the success of Mansfield ISD students, no amount of support is too small!

More about the Common Ground Network:

The Common Ground Network is an association of churches and support agencies in the Mansfield community who work together to coordinate programs that effect needy families throughout the Mansfield ISD. Each year, they join together to coordinate a number of different programs; food drives to support local pantries, holiday giving for children and two summer programs, School Supplies and Feed the Kids for Summer.

For more information, visit the website or contact Common Ground Network President, Susan Luttrell, 817-473-6650 or susanl@firstmethodistmansfield.org.

Common Ground is a non-profit agency. All donations are tax deductible.
Mansfield ISD is a partner with the Common Ground Network.

Asa Low Students Surpass Fundraising Goal

The Student Council members of Asa Low Jr. Intermediate School sponsored a “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society over the course of two weeks in April.

The school’s goal was to raise $1,600, but in the end they collected $3,400 (more than DOUBLE that amount)! The school teams competed to collect the largest team balance, which would earn them a pasta lunch from Olive Garden. 

The penny drive was in memory of Tristen Dasch, a student from Brooks Wester Middle School (and a former Boren Bear from J.L. Boren Elementary) who lost his battle with leukemia this past summer.

Congratulations to the students from Asa Low, who worked so hard to raise money for such a worthy cause. Great job!

Creasing for a Good Cause: 'Cranes for Kids'

Thousands of children were affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan and many are left with nothing. When Patricia Londono, a 6th grade Science teacher at Asa Low Jr. Intermediate, heard of a unique opportunity to offer assistance she quickly enlisted the help of her students.

The Cranes for Kids program is meant to empower children to help other kids in need by using their creativity in the art of folding paper origami cranes. Oshkosh B’Gosh has sponsored this relief effort and will donate one article of children’s clothing per paper crane (up to 50,000 cranes).

Two sixth grade teams (Orissa and Himalayas) swung into action, with a goal of folding 1,000 origami cranes for this worthy cause.

“I think sometimes we take clothing and everything we have for granted,” said sixth grader Carrigan Hudgins. “I think the people of Japan are going through a very hard time and it’s important that we do all we can to help them.”

Students studied a “How-To” video about origami and began folding as quickly as possible. After a couple of weeks, they had produced more than triple their goal amount.

“It’s amazing! We’ve folded between 3,500 and 4,000 cranes,” said Ms. Londono. “Students are still bringing handfuls of cranes to me!”

Paper cranes are considered a symbol of great prosperity in the Japanese culture. According to ancient Japanese legend, a group of 1,000 paper origami cranes has the power to grant a wish for someone.

“The students love the idea of helping other kids,” said Londono. “It is our hope that we make many wishes come true for the victims of Japan.”

The Low Intermediate flock of paper cranes will be delivered to the Oshkosh store at Grapevine Mills Mall at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2011.

Wester Student Exhibits Lone Star Leadership

Each year outstanding student leaders are nominated by their educators to participate in Lone Star Leadership Academy programs. Upon completion of these programs, students are invited to join Education in Action’s alumni organization, the Lone Star Youth Leadership Council. Council members receive a structured and guided opportunity to continue their leadership training.

Education in Action announced that the Lone Star Youth Leadership Council program had its highest rate of participation since its inception nine years ago, with 147 student leaders from 70 school districts, two charter schools, five private schools and one university.

This year’s lessons focused on identifying members’ leadership strengths and developing their communication, listening and presentation skills. These skills were honed and put into action through services projects, which members were responsible for creating and leading in their communities with the end goal being for members to improve the lives of those around them.

Among the 147 participants was Grant Williams, an 8th grader from Brooks Wester Middle School. As a first year member, Williams took on the task of developing a project called, “Take a Look at a Book.” He led a group of volunteers to collect and donate 304 books to an economically disadvantaged campus, Erma Nash Elementary.

“Working to bring people together to help others made me a better person and leader,” said Williams. “I’m sure the people who donated also feel like better people now. I want to thank everyone who helped out.”

Members that successfully complete program requirements also have the opportunity to return to the Lone Star Leadership Academy as Youth Facilitators, where they will mentor younger students and receive additional leadership training.

Mansfield ISD, along with the Education in Action Staff applaud the accomplishments Grant Williams and all members of the 2010 – 2011 Lone Star Youth Leadership Council.

Sponsor: Judy Norton, Social Students Teacher

Cross Timbers Students Show Kindness through Competition

When the Student Government students at Cross Timbers Intermediate School came up with the idea of having a school-wide Penny War to raise money for relief efforts in Japan, they never imagined they would receive such an overwhelming response. 

The school was split into teams according to their advisory rooms. For seven days, students opened up their wallets and hearts to donate every bit they could to help the victims in Japan. 

“What I think is so amazing is that about 50% of our student population is economically disadvantaged, yet so many still chose to donate,” said Assistant Principal Jamie Norwood. “We know it was a real sacrifice for some of them and I think that’s what makes it so special.”

In the middle of the fundraiser, the Student Government advisor Dawn Greathouse learned that all of the collection jugs were overflowing, which prompted an emergency trip to the grocery store to cash in the first batch of coins. 

“At that point we had about $1,400 and the money was still pouring in,” said Greathouse. “Even now, days after the event, students are still bringing their donations to me.”

The seven-day fundraiser produced over $2,500, which was presented to a representative from the American Red Cross at a special assembly on April 8, 2011. Mansfield Chamber of Commerce President Lucretia Mills also attended the assembly to show her support to Cross Timbers and Mansfield ISD.

“It’s because of the generous donations from Cross Timbers Intermediate School and so many other gracious individuals across the country that we are able to provide support for Japan,” said Tammy Ripple, Director of Volunteer and Corporate Programs for the American Red Cross. 

Learn more about donating funds to the American Red Cross.

Check out more photos from the Penny War program.

HOSA Students Prove the Value of a Vial

The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) of Ben Barber Career Tech Academy (BBCTA) have launched a service project that will allow them to give back to the community while offering a potentially life-saving resource.

The Vial of L.I.F.E. (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) is a container that stores important medical information, which can be accessed by emergency personnel in the event of a crisis in a person’s home.

Gary Welborn, the Health Science Instructor at BBCTA heard about this project from multiple sources and saw a great opportunity to reach out to the citizens of the Mansfield ISD community.

“If a paramedic needs instant access to a patient’s medical history, the vial is easy to get to,” said Welborn. “It’s also very useful in the event that a patient is unconscious or unable to quickly remember all of the prescriptions they are taking.”

With the help of donations from the Meadows Foundation and Ray’s Pharmacy, the materials for the project were obtained at no cost. A $500 donation from the Meadows Foundation covered printing expenses and Ray’s Pharmacy provided the plastic vials. Students assisted with the graphic design aspects of the project as well as the assembly of the materials.

So, what exactly is inside these vials?

The outside of each plastic vial is marked with a red and white label which reads, “Vial of Life: Look Inside Refrigerator for Complete Medical Information.” There are two additional labels inside the vial; one to be placed on the door of the individual’s home and the other (which is adhered to a magnet) to be mounted on the refrigerator. Most importantly, a medical history sheet is folded inside the vial. Keeping the vial in the fridge allows paramedics to locate it quickly.

The HOSA students will assist with the distribution of the vials, offering them to their parents, grandparents and neighbors. Their goal is to get these vials into the hands of as many people that need them as possible.

“I plan to go around my neighborhood to offer the vials to people and tell them about the program,” said HOSA student Angela Tetteh. “It can really help save a life, so I believe it’s very important.”

How can I get a Vial of L.I.F.E. for myself?

The vials can be picked up from Mrs. Mullins in the front office of BBCTA (1120 W. Debbie Lane). For additional requests, contact Gary Welborn (garywelborn@misdmail.org or 817.299.1916).

Supplies are limited, so don’t wait!

How can I return the kindness of these students?

While the HOSA students are proud to present this resource to community members at no cost, they hope people will “pay it forward” and keep the chain of kindness going by offering a donation to the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life.” You can donate online or drop off your contribution to the BBCTA bookkeeper.

A donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated. Donations will be accepted through June 10, 2011.

Students Prove the Power of Pennies at Willie Brown Elementary

The students of Willie E. Brown Elementary School helped save lives by participating in the Pennies for Patients campaign benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). 

For three weeks, students brought in spare change to donate to those whose lives have been affected by blood cancers, such as leukemia, which strikes more children and young adults under the age of 20 than any other type of cancer. 

This was Brown’s fifth consecutive year to participate in the fundraiser, and this year they were on a mission to break their previous record.

The school counselor, Lisa Arnold, encouraged the students by displaying the progress of each class on a chart in the cafeteria. 

“I counted each and every penny to make sure I recognized the hard work of each classroom,” said Arnold. “When it comes to giving, these kids really dig deep.”

The students that made donations were entered into a drawing for ice cream, but not all students were in it for the reward.

“Some kids donated their birthday money and said they didn’t want their name included in the drawings,” said Arnold. “They just wanted to give!”

Two 3^rd graders from Mrs. Cortez’s class raised $140 over the weekend by setting up a booth in their neighborhood and selling homemade cookies and fresh fruit. 

We are so proud to announce that the students of Willie E. Brown were successful in breaking their previous record, bringing in a total of $3,050.93! This brings their grand total over the past 5 years to $9,473.06!

 

To thank the students of Willie Brown Elementary, the LLS will present the school with an award packet including a certificate, a letter of appreciation, a gift card for school supplies and special pennants for classrooms who donated $100 or more. In addition, the Olive Garden in Mansfield will provide a free pasta lunch to the top donating classroom. 

“When a school comes together the way Willie E. Brown has, it truly demonstrates what a difference pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters can make,” said Steve Abrey, Manager of School and Youth Programs for the LLS. 

The money raised by Brown Elementary goes specifically toward cancer research, and has proven to make a significant difference in the research progress. In 2009 - 2010, over $22 million was raised by schools throughout the country which participated in School and Youth Programs like Pennies for Patients.

 “These kids are truly making a difference and saving lives,” said Abrey. “Every little bit counts, and it goes a long way.”

For more information on the Pennies for Patients campaign, please contact Steve Abrey, Campaign Manager at 972.996.5935 or 800.800.6702 at ext. 5935.

Mary Orr Student Council Helps Old Bikes Find New Homes

In these tough economic times, there are endless opportunities to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Although we may be facing financial challenges of our own, there are still many ways we can make a positive impact in the lives’ of others.

The Student Council members of Mary Orr Intermediate demonstrated that vision of goodwill by hosting the “Wheelie Big Bike Drive,” benefitting a local nonprofit organization called Pedal Power.

Pedal Power, whose motto is, “help us put the 'cycle' in recycle,” is based in North Texas and was founded by mountain bike enthusiasts. The volunteer organization is dedicated to collecting, refurbishing and distributing second-hand bicycles to those in need locally and abroad.

The Student Council members of Mary Orr put the pedal to the metal to plan, promote and execute the bike drive. Blake Lindsey, the Student Council sponsor played a key role in the process.

“It was a pleasure for the Student Council to carry out its mission of serving our community and world by working with Pedal Power,” said Student Council sponsor Blake Lindsey. “Their organization is dedicated to helping others both locally and abroad.”

Weeks of hard work culminated on the chilly afternoon of March 5. Despite the brisk breeze, many warm-hearted Mansfield residents came out to support the Student Council students in this worthy cause.

Among the supporters was Principal Alma Martinez, who braved the weather to facilitate the event.

At the close of the event, the students were proud to present a collection of 40 bicycles as well as $100. Congratulations to these students, whose hard work amounted to a “wheelie” generous gesture!

Timberview High School's HOG Week 2011

Timberview High School puts on an annnual HOG Week which stands for Helping Others Thru Giving. Thanks to THS for the following info on the history of the program and plans for this year.

Here is the HISTORY OF THE HOG:

• In 2007, Timberview Student Council wanted to give back to the Mansfield Community, support a child in need and have fun while doing it! Thus HOG Week was created! HOG Week stands for 'Helping Others Thru Giving.' Collectively we have raised $63,000 supporting young children & organizations across the world! It is an exciting way to educate teens and our community about the importance of giving and positively affecting the life of someone in need...making wishes come true!
• In 2006, THS partnered with Make-A-Wish and sent a young boy diagnosed with Sickle-Cell Anemia to the Pro Bowl.
• In 2007, THS supported a faculty member's son, involved in a four-wheeling accident and is now successfully adjusting to life as a paraplegic.
• In 2008, THS partnered with Make-A-Wish and sent a young girl diagnosed with Wilms Tumor to Disney World.
• In 2009/10, THS partnered with TOMS Shoes and Make-A-Wish, sending over 500 shoes to children across the world, assisted in the start of 'Leah's Legacy 5K Run' supporting our '08 HOG Week recipient and helped send a Make-A-Wish recipient to Washington, D.C....all student led.

2011 HOG Information:
This year, our 10-year-old recipient, Hayley wishes to go to Disney World! And we are going to make it happen in cooperation with Make-A-Wish. Hayley has been diagnosed with severe mitral stenosis.
 
Student Council has an amazing week jam-packed with everything from messy pep rallies to a male beauty pageant - event after event to make memories and raise money for a great cause.
 
(HOG Week starts Friday, March 4 - Friday, March 11) HOG WEEK SCHEDULE: We look forward to seeing you all at our fun-filled week of crazy HOG events! Please view our calendar for dates, times, locations and prices! If you have any questions, please see Ms. Mills.
 
Also, read The Outlook, THS student newspaper, story on HOG Week.

Ben Barber's 'Bikes for Angels' campaign featured on local news station

The annual Bikes for Angels campaign at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy was featured earlier today during a segment entitled 'Our Neighbors' on WFAA News 8.

The 2010 goal is to purchase 600 bikes to give away to needy children who would otherwise not get bikes for Christmas.

This is just one of the many holiday charity drives in the District. We are working on putting a list together and posting it to the District website of as many as we can share in the next few days.

Our Neighbor: [Ben] Barber Career Tech Academy

If you have any questions about this campaign or would like to support, contact Mr. Rick Curlee at Ben Barber Career Tech Academy via e-mail RickCurlee [at] misdmail.org or by phone at 817-299-1939. If you help the campaign via a check, please make it out to: MISD Auto Tech and put "Bikes for Angels" in the memo of the check. All monies raised during this campaign go to bicycles.

Related: 2009 Bikes for Angels campaign