Spark Change Agents Award Grants

Spark Change is a service learning and leadership program that offers students the chance to decide how they want to give back to their community and make a difference in the world. When we give, there are three ways that we can give: time, talent and treasure.
Time is when we volunteer our time to do something, like working at a soup kitchen. Talent is when we share one of our gifts, like reading to younger children, or creating cards for older adults. Treasure is giving of money, as students did last fall for Spark Change.
 
Lower School students “collected change to spark change” in our community. As was shared in December, Lower School children collected a total of $7,562.24. Next, preschoolers through fourth graders helped determine four causes that they wanted to support: homelessness, veterans, animals and natural disasters. Spark Change Agents researched organizations that help these important causes and interviewed organizations to make final decisions about where the money should go. 

Three Organizations Receive Grants
 
All Hands and Hearts Smart Response is an organization that responds to the needs of communities around the world that have been affected by natural disasters. They mobilize volunteers to go into communities early and work tirelessly until the work is complete. The Spark Change Agents decided to give All Hands and Hearts Smart Response $1,790.56.
 
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is an organization right here in Denver that supports homeless people and veterans. The Coalition is a national leader in providing integrated housing, health care, vocational and supportive services, creating lasting solutions to homelessness. The Spark Change Agents decided to give the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless $3,581.12. Half of this money will be used for programs specifically dedicated to veterans.
 
In addition, Ms. Williams fourth grade class collected the most money this fall and will participate in a service project with the Renaissance Children’s Center which is a program of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. They will use $200 to purchase supplies and flowers for the center, and we will be going to the center to plant flowers and deliver materials on April 29.
           
Canine Partners of the Rockies is an organization that trains service dogs to assist people in need. Their mission is to enable Coloradans with disabilities to lead more independent and gratifying lives through training and partnering them with highly skilled service dogs. The Spark Change agents decided to give this organization $1,790.56.
 
Students ended the presentation saying, “Everyone who raised money, brought in pennies, and did extra chores is helping change the world in a positive way. Start thinking about ways to give back to your community this spring and summer. Be ready to collect your pennies again next fall so we can continue to help out our community and spark some change!”
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Graland Country Day School

Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.