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Making a Difference is an Afternoon Adventure
The children of Philipstown are quickly learning that even though they are young, they are not too young to make a difference. As part of the Philipstown Recreation Afternoon Adventure program, about 10 Haldane and Garrison Elementary students have set out to make the world a better place.
Under the direction of Margaret Parr, Afternoon Adventure Co-Director, the children were asked about the direction they would like the program to take. "I had a few ideas in mind to jump-start the thought process, but what came back to me through the children was far beyond my expectations."
Some suggestions included collecting recyclable bottles and cans and donating the proceeds to the Philipstown Food Pantry and helping to publicize the Blood Drive at the Haldane School. The participants also put together a care package to send to a group of paratroopers in Afghanistan, stuffed Halloween goody bags which will be distributed to children at Hudson Valley Hospital Center and assisted with the Philipstown Senior Luncheon by baking dessert and wrapping the bingo prizes.
"It made me feel good to help other people," said Jessica Casey, a Haldane second grader. Lila Rak, also a Haldane second grader added, "I feel proud of what we've done."
Collection boxes for the nonperishable foods and recyclable bottles and cans will be available through the end of the month in the foyer of the Recreation Department. The young participants have been watching the donations grow through the weekends as town residents come to the Rec Department for the Haunted House, sports programs and cooking workshops and leave their contributions to show support of this program.
This seven-week program has been met with such enthusiasm that the Philipstown Recreation Department hopes to continue this theme for the Afternoon Adventure Program throughout the year. If you have any ideas that would be appropriate for elementary school-aged students please contact Susan Richardson, Recreation Leader, at 424-4618.
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