Kids Helping Kids in a HUGE Way
Eisenhower Elementary of Santa Clara, CA Raises over $3,000 to Send Solar Lights to Students in India
Eisenhower Elementary students in Santa Clara, CA donate more than $3,000 to One Million Lights. These funds sent more than 100 lights to Indian students in Northern Tamil Nadu.
Last month the student council of Eisenhower, all 5th graders pictured here presenting a check to Anna Sidana of One Million Lights, set out to inspire their school to raise funds to send solar lights to Southern India. They exceeded their initial goal of $2,500 or 100 lights by more than $800. They raised funds for 133 lights!
As a way to empathize with the students in India receiving the lights, the Eisenhower students, with their families, spent 2 hours in darkness. Manasvini, a 5th grader said, “When I turned the lights out and lit two candles… I felt as if I was alone in the house and nowhere near people…. There were gigantic shadows…. When I turned the light on, it suddenly seemed so bright.” She further reflected that “the thing kids in India use for light is dangerous. If it accidentally topples over, their house might go on fire!” Sanson, a 2nd grader, wrote that he’s okay with not having electricity “for one day. But I do not like to have blackouts every day.” After her darkness experience, Natalie, another 2nd grader said, “I am more thankful than ever to have electricity.”
A little girl in Ganganahalli exchange her piece of artwork for a solar light, donated by the students at Eisenhower Elementary.
These lights are going to Ganganahalli, India where students like the little girl pictured above, will use these lights to study and read in the evenings after the sun sets. We’ll be sending the lights in the coming months so that each student will have their own solar light for evening study. If you are interested in taking these lights with you on your next trip to Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, India, please contact us at . See our new Global Ambassador Program for details about taking lights on your next trip abroad.
The students of Eisenhower Elementary, a K-5th grade public school in Cupertino Unified School District, used a colorful chart, pictured here, to track their progress towards 100 lights. They sold books at a book fair, cinnamon rolls and cider before and after school, and helped raise awareness about One Million Lights so that community members could donate directly. We are so excited to have such superstars supporting us!
Inspire your children to get involved. Adopt our mission and make One Million Lights the community projects at your child’s school, contact us at .
