Brownwood Students Rally to Help Haiti

All across the world, people are reaching into their pockets to provide relief for havoc-wrecked Haiti. The same is happening in our community and on the campuses in Brownwood ISD.  Grass-roots efforts lead by students and staff have brought in thousands of dollars, primarily in spare change, that will be sent to relief and rebuilding missions in Haiti. Every campus’s story is different, but the message is the same, “we want to help,” and “no gift is too small.”

At Northwest Elementary, students raised money through a campaign called “Hearts for Haiti.”  Paper hearts were purchased for 25 cents, each bearing the name of the giver.  The front windows of Northwest were covered in red, white and pink hearts for all to see.  A total of 1,170 hearts were sold, bringing in $292.50 for the American Red Cross.

Woodland Heights Elementary’s “Hope for Haiti” became part of their Citizenship Curriculum.   Students were learning about being “Bucket Fillers,” individuals who contribute and give to society, not “Bucket Dippers,” people who constantly take.  For one week, each classroom collected money in buckets.  At the end of the week, four ice cream buckets were full, totaling $1,176.30 in cash, checks, and 125 pounds of change for the American Red Cross.

East Elementary undertook a project called, “Let’s Rebuild Haiti.” Lego blocks were sold for a quarter each to build a lego wall.  According to Principal, Nanda Wilburn, “The kids ended up building an entire city out of legos.” 1,170 legos were sold, bringing in $292.51.  Kenzie Boswell, second grader at East, presented a check to her mother, Kendra Putman, along with Dave Fair and Sheila Evans, local representatives of Hope for Haiti on Friday, Feb.  5.  The Hope for Haiti group left on Sunday, Feb. 7, for their first mission.

At Coggin Elementary, students had been studying what it means to be a good citizen.  The cry for help from Haiti gave the students an opportunity to put what they were learning into action.  Students were able to donate to the American Red Cross each morning during Opening Assembly.  They discussed ways they could earn money by doing chores at home.  According to counselor, Donna Swanger, “Some students donated money they had planned to use to purchase water or buy scented pencils.  The emphasis was that no matter how small the individual gift, the combined effort of our whole school could make a difference for our neighbors in Haiti.”

Brownwood Intermediate School also took part in the relief effort.  “After seeing pictures of the results of the earthquake in my class, my students wished to do something to help,” said teacher, Mrs. Melissa Champion. Instructional Aid, David Jordan, built a video slide show of the earthquake’s aftermath for all the students to watch.  Each homeroom class collected spare change for two weeks, ending Feb. 15.  The Intermediate students collected $1020.90 for the American Red Cross.

Brownwood Middle School Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsored a “Bake for the Quake” bake sale Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Walmart.  Enthusiastic volunteers collected donations from Walmart customers for three and a half hours. On Friday, Jan. 29, the Middle School FCA presented The Pecan Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, a check for $1304.70 for the Haitian earthquake relief fund. FCA sponsor, Coach Scott Swanzy said, “We want to give a special thanks to Walmart Inc. of Brownwood and all the patrons that donated money for the cause!”

At Brownwood High School, junior Becky Fowler initiated a fundraising campaign, not for strangers, but for friends.  Becky and High School Nurse, Janis Lee, were among a group who spent a week in Haiti last summer doing mission work.  Fortunately there were few casualties in the villages they visited; however, a church and orphanage were destroyed.  “The church was made of palm leaves and tin.  We are trying to raise enough money for them to rebuild with cinder blocks,” said Becky.  Her efforts included placing posters around the school, making a video that played on the TVs in the Student Center, and collecting money in a donation jar.  Becky is also working with her church and friend, Hillary Humes, a senior at Early High School. Together they have already raised $2000.  “We want to go back this summer to help them rebuild,” said Becky.

So far, Brownwood students and staff have raised over $6000, and donations are still coming in.  More photos may be found on the Brownwood ISD website at