The third-grade students at John S. Clarke Elementary Center have selected the Make-A-Wish Foundation as its top charitable community organization this year, Anita Dwyer, Karen’s Heroes chairwoman, said Monday night.
The recognition was part of the 17th annual Karen’s Heroes Program, held the week of April 25 to 29. Karen’s Heroes is a traditional tribute to elementary school teacher Karen Chattin-Ney, who died in 1998 at age 46.
Chattin-Ney’s friends and family, including widower, Thomas Ney, and parents, Joseph and Joan Chattin, came up with the Karen’s Heroes Program in 1999 as a way to remember her.
“As determined by the school administration and third-grade teachers, lessons were taught to students about contributing charitable donations to causes in the local community. Over a one-week period, the children learned about the work of five local charities that benefit adoption-ready animals, local homeless shelters, wildlife conservation, children with life-threatening illnesses and children’s reading. Attending one lesson each morning, the third-grade children learned why these causes and organizations are important to all people living in our community and to future generations. The five lessons explained how charities need volunteer and financial support from people in the community who can afford to give ... a little time or money,” Dwyer said Monday.
A total of $1,500 will be distributed among the five local charities who sent representatives to give presentations at the school during the week.
In all, 201 third-grade students cast their votes. Each vote was worth $5. A total of $1,500 will be distributed among the five organizations. The donations are given in the name of the third-grade students, with the following totals:
• Make-A-Wish Foundation: $469
• Hillside SPCA: $454
• Schuylkill Conservancy: $219
• Servants to All-homeless shelters: $184
• Pottsville Free Public Library: $174