Back row, from left, Rev. Lou Parsons and third graders Colten Blankenship, Mason Reiniche, Gabriel Seals, Kristopher Kennedy, Nick Maddox, Gillian Harvey and third grade teacher Randi Schlosser. Front row, from left, Carolyn Potts, Sydney Cansler, Audrey Skewes, Tessa Labbe, Alexis Van Menxel and Max Ransom.
This third grade class single-handedly raised enough money for 18 nets. Click to enlarge.
At St. Peter’s Episcopal School, in the month of May the students participated in a global outreach program, NetsforLife, through Episcopal Relief and Development.
Local coordinator for Episcopal Relief and Development, the Reverend Lou Parsons, (St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church of Ooltewah) visited St. Peter’s to share information about this program and the positive impact it can have for a very small amount of money.
NetsforLife provides insecticide-treated nets to protect children and families from malaria. Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and kills nearly one million people every year - most are children under the age of five. One $12 net can save the lives of three children.
This gift also provides training for the families and the communities on the proper use of the nets and the care of those who are affected by this disease.
To meet this need, each student received a coin collection “Hope Chest” to collect loose change throughout the month. Additionally, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church added contributions from a second collection and other donations. Combined, the church and school raised over $1,440 for the NetsforLife program, purchasing 129 nets and community training about the program.
Rev. Parsons expressed her appreciation, saying “I cannot thank you all enough for this extremely generous and touching response. That means another 387 children saved from disease. St. Peter’s students and church members are truly making a difference in the world.”
This school year alone, St. Peter’s students organized projects to benefit McKamey Animal Center, Northside Neighborhood House’s “Santa’s Workshop,” St. Peter’s Church Food Pantry, the Children’s Nutrition Program in Haiti and Emily’s Power For A Cure neuroblastoma foundation.