Dimes for Charity

What is Dimes for Charity?

A way to help others who are less fortunate.

History

• Began in 2008 in a classroom all the way at the end of the fourth grade wing.

• Students wanted to make a difference in the world.

• They began to be recognized for good behavior as a class.

• They brainstormed a list of ways they “could” be rewarded.

• Examples were: • Walking quietly in the hallways• Everyone completing their homework• Acts of kindness• Compliment from another adult

• Next, they talked about what was a charity.

• Students thought about a charity that was special to them and researched that charity.

• They presented the charity to the classroom.

Examples of charities

• Eating disorder of NJ

• American Cancer Society

• MLD

• Juvenile Diabetes

• Cystic Fibrosis

Then what…

• Students put the name of their charity “in a hat”.

• When 100 dimes were collected, a charity was picked and $10.00 was sent to the chosen charity.

• After hearing about their efforts, a donor matched each $10.00.

Why was it important?

• “It’s great knowing that I make a difference.”

• “I feel the class is trying to help find a cure for many illnesses. I think that our money will find a cure. I love how we do Dimes for Charity.”

• “Everyone should do it because if you are giving to the poor. People are about to die and if you give money it will help them live longer”

• “It is good because you do good to feel good. I like it because we are helping the sick and the unhealthy. We are putting smiles on people's faces.”

• “I feel involved and proud to do Dimes for Charity because helping others is one of my favorite things to do. I also think that we shouldn’t hold that good feeling to ourselves and we should tell other classes about it so that they can try doing Dimes for Charity.

• “I feel that Dimes for Charity is one of the most amazing things in our classroom because it feels good to help others.”

• “I think that it is good that we are helping others and we should continue to do good deeds.”

• Dimes for Charity has helped change my life. I am now aware that a kid can make a difference.”

Want to know more?

• Click on the link to read an article written by Mrs. Biondi which was featured in Education World.

• Dimes for CharityIn Linda Biondi’s fourth grade class, positive behavior earns dimes for charity and Dimes for Charity demonstrates what can happen when children believe in the power of doing the “right thing.”