Easton Kids Raise 'Nickels for Nippon'

After her dad told her about the disasters in Japan, Juliana Spisek went straight to her principal at Samuel Staples Elementary School to see what she could do to help.

“It’s sad that it happened so fast and it was one after another — the earthquake, the tsunami and then the power plant,” said Juliana. “I know I’m helping the people who don’t have enough money to help themselves.” Juliana teamed with Conor Glynn, another student at Samuel Staples, to start “Nickels for Nippon.” 

“After the tsunami, we asked our children what they were prepared to do to help these people,” said Lisa Glynn, Conor’s mother. “Conor came up with the idea of collecting money for the people in Japan. We brainstormed, and he came up with the idea of placing buckets in each classroom at Samuel Staples. As a family, we came up with the slogan, ‘Nickels for Nippon.’”

Each student who donated received a globe eraser. “It represents that we are the world, and we should be united,” said Juliana. She said anyone can raise money for a cause if they “have the courage enough to stand up and do it.”

The fundraiser ended Friday with a total of $773.25 raised for AmeriCares, a Stamford-based relief agency. Juliana’s brother, Milan, raised money for Japan at Helen Keller Middle School with help of the student council. Shoeboxes were placed in each classroom to collect donations and the classroom with the most donations received a breakfast party. 

Did you start a fundraiser for Japan relief? Send your story to shenry@mainstreetconnect.us. 

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