Local kids help raise money for victims at Trade Center

Even those too young to fully understand the scope of the tragedy are willing to help those in need.

By: Casha Caponegro
   The catastrophic events of last week when four hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and rural Pennsylvania have brought out the charitable natures in Cranbury residents.
   Even those who are too young to fully understand the scope of the tragedy are willing to help those in need.
   On Sunday and Tuesday, children took it upon themselves to organize activities to raise money for the Red Cross.
   Kristi Dicuio, 10, decided to organize a lemonade stand on Sunday.
   "She came home from church that afternoon and decided she had to do something to help people," said Kristi’s mother, Karen Dicuio.
   Kristi and her brother, Dylan, designed a poster and set up their stand in their neighborhood near Old Trenton Road.
   A group of kids joined Kristi and her brother, bringing with them cookies and other snacks to sell along with the lemonade. Later on, the group moved their business to Main Street.
   By the end of the day, the budding entrepreneurs earned $181, which they donated to the American Red Cross.
   Timmy McDonald, 9, also wanted to raise money for those affected by this tragedy.
   "A lot of people were raising money and I thought we should too," said Timmy. "I wanted to do something fun, instead of just going door-to-door so I thought up a baseball game and sent out fliers on Monday."
   Timmy’s fliers invited all local kids to come to Village Park on Tuesday to play a game of baseball. Each kid was asked to give one dollar to play.
   About 10 to 12 kids showed up for Tuesday’s game, Timmy said.
   Timmy’s friend, Amanda Chen, 9, came up with the idea to sell snacks during the game.
   "We made most of our money from snacks," said Timmy. "Amanda and her friends also sold snacks to people driving by."
   The baseball game raised $120, which will be donated to the American Red Cross.
   "The money is to help the families related to the people that died last week," said Timmy, proud that he was able to help.
   The Cranbury School also is encouraging students to do what they can to help those affected by this crisis.
   "The Student Council will make an effort to raise money for the American Red Cross and participate in the Salvation Army Equipment Drive, which specifically outlines materials needed by the emergency relief workers in New York City," Chief School Administrator Robert Bartoletti said in a letter Monday.
   Starting Wednesday the Student Council placed donation containers for students and faculty in the cafeteria during lunch time. Containers also were placed at the walker’s door and 1997 annex door of the school so parents also can contribute. All contributions will be donated to the American Red Cross.
   Also on Wednesday, the school collected items requested by the Salvation Army, which will be donated to the recovery workers in New York City.
   According to the letter, the school would collect liquid sanitizers, batteries, dust masks, socks, underwear, Power Bars, gloves, hand wipes, lip balm, chewing gum and dog food.
   The school also plans to coordinate students in "symbolic activities which will be visible in our school and will be uniform and appropriate for demonstrating our patriotism and support for our country during this time," Dr. Bartoletti said.