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Montgomery Student To Help Raise Funds For Japanese Aid

Helen Legato
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For Immediate Release
Contact:  Helen Legato
Tel: (609) 279-9177
Cell Phone:  (609) 610-3504
Email:  [email protected]
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP, NJ-March 19, 2011
Montgomery Student To Help Raise Funds For Japanese Aid
When Daniel DiLorenzo, a sixth grade student at Montgomery Lower Middle School heard about the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, he immediately knew that he wanted to do something to help the victims.  Daniel’s father, Mas DiLorenzo has family in Japan who they are trying to convince to come to the United States.  “The older generations have a strong sense of community and don’t want to leave the country.  Even though supplies are running scarce and there are rolling blackouts, they do not want to abandon their fellow countrymen,” explains Mr. DiLorenzo.
Familiar with the Japanese legend that anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will please the gods and be granted a wish, Daniel decided to make 1,000 of his own paper cranes to sell as a fundraiser for Japanese relief.  “I am donating all of the money I raise from the sale of the cranes to the American Red Cross,” says Daniel.
Daniel decided to sell the paper cranes during the lunch periods at his school.  In order to get permission to do so, Daniel wrote a proposal to present to his principal, Mike Richards.  Dressed in his best suit, Daniel walked into the school’s main office determined to meet the principal.  Unfortunately Daniel did not have an appointment and Mr. Richards was not in the building at the time.  Undeterred, Daniel asked to have Mr. Richards meet with him upon his return.  Richards was so impressed with Daniel’s commitment, he approved the boy’s proposal to sell the cranes during school lunches for a suggested $1 donation.
With his plan in motion, the only part left was for Daniel to make the paper cranes.  His family helped mobilize a small army of volunteers and on March 19, nearly 40 adults and children gathered at the DiLorenzo home in Belle Mead for a crane-making party.  “It was such a warm feeling of community to see everyone, young and old getting involved,” notes Daniel’s mother, Stephanie DiLorenzo.  “There was a part of the process for everyone.”  At the end of the day 632 cranes were completed.  “My grandmother sent an additional supply of cranes and I have met my goal of 1,000,” says Daniel.  “But I’m going to keep going and see how far I can take this.” 
In addition to selling the cranes at Montgomery Lower Middle School, Daniel plans to sell them at Town Center Elementary School in Plainsboro where his mother is a second grade teacher.  Daniel also hopes to sell them at ATA Black Belt Academy in Hillsborough where he is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo. 
Today, folding 1,000 paper cranes has become a symbol of healing and peace.  Daniel is hoping that in addition to raising money, his effort will bring hope to the people of Japan.
For more information on how to purchase a crane and make a donation, contact Stephanie DiLorenzo at [email protected].