Posted on: Thursday, January 6, 2005
EDUCATION BRIEFS
Cole extends fund raising
Advertiser Staff
The Cole Academy daycare and preschool met its goal of raising $20,000 in two days to aid victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami in South Asia and has decided to continue the effort.
Cole Academy director Emily Awaya Leong, said "we together just really wanted to be able to do something for the people there, not only for those who survived the aftermath, but for those who are struggling to survive."
Awaya Leong said they decided on the $20,000 goal because about 20,000 children attend preschool in Hawai'i and early estimates were that about 20,000 children lost their lives in the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Later estimates doubled that figure.
"There are immediate needs for children who survived, such as providing safe water and uncontaminated supplies," Awaya Leong said.
Donations have come from parents and corporate sponsors, including Murphy's Bar and Grill, which made the biggest donation of $5,800.
Awaya Leong said those who want to donate can mail or drop off checks made out to "U.S. Fund for UNICEF" (please write "South Asia Keiki Aloha" in the memo) to Southeast Asia Keiki Aloha, c/o The Cole Academy, 36 Merchant St., Honolulu, HI 96813.
Children ages 4 to 12 can compete for $5,000 savings bond in a drawing contest sponsored by Borden Cheese.
Entrants will illustrate "Bring Elsie Home" by Frank Murphy, written as a benefit for First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides new books to needy children. Borden will donate $25,000 to First Book.
For more information, visit www.elsie.com.
All public libraries will be closed on Jan. 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Most libraries will reopen on Jan. 18. Visit www.librarieshawaii.org or call your local library for their reopening date.
Drawing contest for ages 4-12
Public libraries to close Jan. 17
