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Giving back to the Beatitude House
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Neighbors | Amanda Tonoli.Madelyn Ray (left), Tori Balestrino and Alyssa Eichert (right) posed with the money they raised for the Beatitude House to help fight bullying.
By Amanda tonoli
Principal Michael Masucci started a very successful GIVE-BACK program at Poland North Elementary School. Students within his school had the opportunity to volunteer to give back to some aspect of community, focusing on those less fortunate. Most recently he had a group of fourth-grade girls step up give back to the community, finding importance in policing bullying in their community.
Together, three students began by making bullying posters. Michelle Ray, president of the Parent-Teacher Organization, found an organization the students could extend their efforts to and actually help those suffering from the effects of being bullied.
Michelle Ray and the three students, Tori Balestrino, Allysa Eichert and Madelyn Ray, set out to raise $400 to give to the Beatitude House, an organization dedicated to helping women and children in need for an array of disadvantaged circumstances.
“When I contacted the Beatitude House not only were they excited for this cause, but also they asked to come and meet the kids,” Ray said.
To raise money, students of North Elementary were asked to wear Poland colors, bringing in loose change for donation towards the cause on a select few Fridays.
“The plan was to give back and help people that really need it,” said Balestrino. “I really like just helping people.”
Eichert said she was excited to raise all $400 because they would be rewarded with a party/fun day.
Madelyn Ray liked the authority given while she was such an essential part of this cause.
“I liked being able to go to the PTO meeting and speak. That was really cool,” Madelyn Ray said.
Michelle Ray said everyday the girls ask Principal Masucci to count what they have raised thus far, excited for the prospective big turnout. However, the fund raising has not been completed just yet.