Students Collect Over 10,000 Pencils For Kids In Kosovo

By Tanjua Damon

Fifth grade students in Karen King’s class at Reed Intermediate School realized children can make a difference.

In early March the students began their Pencils for Peace campaign to collect 10,000 pencils to send to Shala School in Kosovo. During the Yugoslavian conflict a few years ago, the school of 846 students ages 6 to 15 was bombed, and everything was lost. Classes were held in local homes until parent volunteers and various charitable organizations, such as UNICEF, helped to rebuild the school. School is now back in session but the students and teachers are still in need of basic school supplies such as pencils, pens, paper, art supplies, and gym equipment.

Once Ms King heard about the school’s situation from her friend, Padraig Power, who has been helping organize collections for the town for several years, she decided this was a great way to teach her students that even a little bit can help someone else in need.

“When we first talked about 10,000 pencils, I actually suggested that the class set a more ‘realistic’ goal. But the kids would have no part of it,” Ms King said. “They were really inspired by the connection that they feel with the students in Shala, by Padraig’s example, and by the immediate and generous responses that came from everywhere. Now all of us have learned how far inspiration and hard work can take us.”

Many of the students in the class also tried an experiment where they used only one pencil or pen for the entire month. Some found it difficult while others realized how they take things like a pencil for granted.

“I liked it. It was a good idea for us to put ourselves in their shoes and see how they feel. It wasn’t that difficult unless you have to sharpen it. I put mine in my locker [so it would not get lost],” Sara Kelley said. “I feel really good inside to be helping kids and teachers.”

Some students in class doubted that they would be able to reach the 10,000 goal or that people in the community would reach out to help. The fifth graders were also surprised by how the energy of the collection did not dwindle after the first week or so.

“I didn’t really think we would reach it. I didn’t really think kids would really want to help out that much,” Katie Volkers said. “Sometimes people get sick of doing the community service projects.”

The students collected nearly 11,000 pencils. They continue to look for donations of art supplies and gym equipment like soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, and jump ropes. Numerous companies agreed to support the students’ cause. Curtis Packaging agreed to match the donation of 10,000 pencils early on in the project. Other companies that support the cause by making donations included Klaffs, Costco, Borders Book Store, Connecticut Martial Arts, ING Bank, Insurance Broker Andy Williams, Colonial Subaru, Northwest Mutual/Michael McNeil, Bethel Foods, BIC, and many area synagogues and churches. Contributions were also received from Head O’ Meadow, Hawley, and Newtown Middle School. 

“I was very surprised by how it spread throughout Newtown and even into New York,” Lindsey Lively said. “I think people today really want to help people in different countries. I think the times we are in have changed how we act. We see what others have and don’t have. We need to respect them.”

The students are so pleased that they were able to make a difference by collecting something as simple as pencils.

“I feel really good because the kids in Kosovo get to use their own pencils and they don’t have to share,” Alex Moliver said. “One person can make a difference.”

Kurt Vinci wished he could be there when the supplies reach the students probably sometime in early September when Mr Power will be making a trip to the village with other donations such as fire trucks and medical supplies.

“I think they are going to jump around and party. I would,” Kurt said. “I take pencils for granted. This helped us to understand how much we have and that you shouldn’t take it for granted.”

Many of the students in Shala felt forgotten after their school was bombed, but the students in Newtown wanted them to know they are remembered and thought of.

“I hope it makes them feel they aren’t forgotten.” Michael Herring said. “It makes me feel good they are going to have supplies and not be forgotten.”

Ms King is thankful for all the donations as well as the lesson her students have been able to receive with help from the community.

“The whole project has been a real education for me and for my class –– in global awareness, the cost of war, history, empowerment, fundraising, and even marketing,” Ms King said. “But probably more than anything else it taught the kids, me, and everyone who participated a powerful lesson about empathy, and choosing to effect positive change rather than just feeling bad about things we hear going on in the world. If that’s the one seed that takes hold and grows, then there is no telling where it will end.”