SNOHOMISH– Very soon, local businesses could be displaying little pink piggy banks to help the people of Japan.
These fundraising piggy banks do not come from a big nonprofit or a known organization. They come from the first- and second-grade class of Seattle Hill Elementary School.
Last week, the 22 students made piggy banks out of papier-mache to aid tsunami victims.
“We are helping Japan,” said first-grader Ashley Hubert, 6. “Some people lost all of their belongings.”
For some of the students, this is the second time they’ve made piggy banks to help people in need. Last year, three classes raised about $800 to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake, teacher Katie Doughty said.
The plan is to put the piggy banks in restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses until the end of May. All proceeds will go to the Red Cross, Doughty said.
“They are learning community service and art with a hands on activity,” she said.
Some of the children did not know much about the tsunami. Most were just having fun with the papier-mache.
“I really like doing it because it’s really messy,” explained first-grader Brooke Bohan, 7.
On Tuesday, the kids were putting several layers of newspaper on a balloon to use as a form for the pig’s body. Once the papier-mache dries, the kids paint them pink, add the eyes and a tail, and cut a slot in the back.
Most of the kids have not decided where to put their piggy banks.
Brooke is thinking to put hers in a Starbucks.
She also plans to put her allowance into the piggy bank after she’s done, said Lori Bohan, her mom and a class volunteer.
“They are learning they’re part of a bigger world,” she said.
Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.
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