Purchase 4th Grader Organizes Successful Fundraiser

As shocking video of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan flashed across his television earlier this year, Matthew Griff said he immediately started thinking of ways to help.

The fourth grader at Purchase Elementary School approached Jim Kelly, the director at the Purchase Community House, offering to bake enough cupcakes, cookies and other treats to feed 300 students himself. The ambitious goal raised a few eyebrows, but given Matthew's track record at the community house there was no doubt he would be able to put some kind of plan together.

"He's a bright kid, very smart kid," said Frank Dellaripa, Purchase Community House's Friday night youth program supervisor. "He commands people's attention."

Within two weeks Matthew worked with his supervisors to create a plan for his classmates to bring in baked goods to community house on Friday, selling the treats to students and parents in the building. Matthew planned who would bake what, and even approved a flier that was sent home reminding children and parents of the event.

"They've been talking about it for the last few weeks at school," said Matthew, a strikingly mature elementary school student. "They've been telling me what they're making, talking about what they're making."

The Purchase Community House neighbors Purchase Elementary, and offers after school programs to students every afternoon. The Friday Night Youth Program runs until 9 p.m. and the baked goods were available throughout the evening.

Three full tables of treats were available for sale, kids and parents were also encouraged to make donations. Students took turns selling the goods, collecting money and getting in line to buy treats.

"We got two tables filled with stuff and another table in the back just waiting," said Kelly. "People really responded well."

All money raised will be sent to the American Red Cross to help those affected by the disaster half a world away. A great lesson for students everywhere, that people of any age truly can make a difference.