The District of Choice

Tami Marler, Director
Public Information
(918) 746-6298

News Release: Monday, March 09, 2009

Eugene Field Students Donate to Holland Hall 

3/9/2009

"Yes We Can! Change for Change! To our special friends at Holland Hall. With love, Eugene Field" The message appeared on dozens of Pringles cans filled with pocket change from Eugene Field students.

For the past three or four years Holland Hall students have given to Eugene Field students special gifts as part of their service learning: field trips, clothing, money, books, food, etc. Well, now the tables have turned. Eugene Field donated $359.93 to Holland Hall on Monday, March 9.

Eugene Field Principal Cindi Hemm said she’s on a Holland Hall mailing list and saw that the school is making its final push in its annual fundraiser. Because Holland Hall does so much for her students, she thought it would be a great teachable moment and reciprocate the compassion.

“They don’t know rich and poor,” said Hemm of her 320 students, 82 percent of whom qualify for free lunch under federal income guidelines. Hemm addressed her students about the Holland Hall fund need, "You know you get to go to school for free. Did you know there are kids in Tulsa that pay for their education?" She said her kids were stunned. They couldn’t wait to do whatever they could to help their friends at Holland Hall. So they decorated potato chip cans and dropped in pennies, nickels… whatever they had in their pockets.

"It made me feel happy." said Alyssa, a second grader at Eugene Field, "We're giving money to people who have to pay for their lunch and that's not fair. It's like not getting free for freedom."

Izeayah, another second grader said, "If they hadn't donated money, we would have as much for the school. So they helped us so we help them."

"Our kids are so thankful for the many times you have helped them." Tears welled up in Hemm's eyes when she presented the gift to Holland Hall students and staff, "I just want you to understand that they didn't give out of their excesses, they gave out of their need."

Hemm and her kids got to experience what so many donors have experienced at Eugene Field – the sheer joy of giving unconditionally to those in need.

Tulsa Public Schools is thankful for Holland Hall and other supporters of our students. TPS is also very proud of Hemm, her staff and especially the Eugene Field students and families. They are all wonderful examples of compassion found in Tulsa.

Hemm, "Regardless of how little you have, you can always give, whether it's your time or your talents or your treasures. Always give to others."

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