MONTGOMERY When Daniel DiLorenzo, a sixth grade student at Montgomery Lower Middle School heard about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, he 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,” said 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 fund-raiser for Japanese relief.
”I am donating all of the money I raise from the sale of the cranes to the American Red Cross,” said Daniel.
He 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.
Mr. Richards was impressed with Daniel’s commitment and approved the proposal to sell the cranes during school lunches for a suggested $1 donation.
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,” said 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,” said 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].

