Kids Focus on Tsunami Relief Efforts in F.C.

Just as amazing stories of generosity, sacrifice and heroism are pouring out of Asia in the wake of the cataclysmic tsunami disaster last week, so in communities across the globe, countless accounts of volunteer mobilization, especially among young people, are reigniting the spark of hope and optimism on a planet only a week separated from its worst natural catastrophe in the modern era.

So in Falls Church. So among Falls Church's young people, in particular. So come the reports from George Mason High School here, and from a former School Board member who, as a parent, helped mobilize a day-long bake sale by middle schoolers in front of the Giant last weekend that raised $1,316.

Large financial contributions will continue to be needed for recovery in the part of the world ravaged by the Boxing Day catastrophe that has now claimed over 150,000 and still threatens hundreds of thousands more with resultant contamination and disease. But while adults contribute on-line and through their government, faith or service organizations, it is especially the hard work of young people that inspires us all to do more.

At George Mason High, over 70 students have been brainstorming since returning to school from their winter break, according to Mason English Department chair Michael Hoover.

As one result, a special Tsunami Relief Benefit Concert featuring the Potomac Jazz Orchestra, a professional group, and the George Mason Middle School and High School Jazz Ensembles has been organized to take place this Monday, Jan. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the GMHS auditorium, with admission donations to go to the school's tsunami relief fund.

Meanwhile, GMHS students are also putting together a day-long fundraising effort to take place at the school Saturday, Jan. 15, designated "Tsunami Relief Project Day" at the school. Plans now tentatively call for a bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the school's auxiliary gym, a Battle of the Bands show from noon to 3 p.m. and a talent show from 7:30 to 9 p.m., both in the school auditorium. The bazaar will feature a White Elephant sale, a silent auction and craft booths.

In addition, breakfast and lunch will be for sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a reception featuring hors d'oeuvres and soft drinks will take place in the Mustang Cafe for an hour and a half prior to the evening talent show.

Noting that the day's events will take place during the three-day Martin Luther King Day weekend, GMHS Principal Bob Snee said, "I can think of nothing more appropriate to honor the memory of Dr. King, who fought so hard to relieve human suffering, than for our students to be engaged in activities to do just that."

Last Sunday, the first sign of the Falls Church youth mobilization surfaced in front of the Giant Food in the 1200 block of W. Broad. Sixth graders Hannah Leopold, Julia Farbstein, Synneva Elthon, Aleeya Ensign, Rachel Hassan, Hannah Walker, Stephanie Dang and Joanne Dang joined ninth grader Jason Farbstein to bake and sell scores of cookies and muffins over a six-hour period, raising $1,316.

According to former School Board member Rose-Marie Hunziker, the middle schoolers did their self-organizing through instant-messaging on the Internet.

"Children on the cusp of their teens are an interesting melange," Hunziker mused. "They can be lazy, belligerent, moody, spoiled and insensitive. But they can also be brimming with possibilities. At 11, 12 or 14 they can believe that their small contribution can make a great difference."

Once their "firm desire to do something" became evident, she wrote, "The moms became aware that their kitchens and their baking skills were required. One bright parent planned ahead and telephoned the manager of the local Giant who gave his enthusiastic permission to hold a bake sale on his doorstep. Others stocked up on flour, sugar, butter and chocolate chips, cleared the decks and fired up the ovens. Somebody brought the folding tables and, oh yes, a jar to hold the money. We assembled on Sunday morning with baskets of baked goods, and the grocery store was also quick to supply plastic gloves and bags to package up the precious goodies. The parents took turns overseeing the enterprise."

She added, "A steady stream of people stopped to contribute to the cause. Many stuffed $20 bills into the jar, and walked away with one cookie but a huge smile. A man bought treats for all of the little bakers behind the table, and offered to fetch drinks. (Falls Church City Council members) Lindy Hockenberry and Robin Gardner bought a pile of muffins and cupcakes to take to some of the public works and police officers. A mother with two small children purchased a couple of cookies, and although she clearly could little afford such a frivolous gesture, gave extra cash anyway. The generosity of the passing crowds made the kids swell with pride that they took such initiative."

"Later," she went on, "the kids thanked the folks at the Giant for their hospitality and were widely praised by the staff. We adults bundled the chilly crew off to tally the proceeds. After six hours of selling, there was well over $1,200 crammed into that jar with the hopeful green ribbon tied around the rim. The crew at Starbucks kept us supplied with hot chocolate, and the total kept growing as late afternoon coffee drinkers added their share. Our grand total was $1,316 and change."

She added that the students are now looking for how to donate the money most effectively, including by going to local businesses asking them to match all or part of their total.

Some members of the Falls Church business community are, indeed, stepping up. At Perfect Endings, the hair salon at 131 S. Washington St., owners Juja Syvestere and Sookie Eaton donated all their profits from Tuesday's and yesterday's business to UNICEF. Many customers also wrote checks to UNICEF on the spot, they also noted.

Ledo Pizza of Falls Church, at 7510 Leesburg Pike (next to Trader Joe's) is also in the process of organizing a fundraising event and Stacy's Coffee Parlor, 709 W. Broad St., is accepting contributions to UNICEF and clothing. The Falls Church News-Press is offering its services to publicize and facilitate fundraising efforts throughout the community, including receiving direct contributions to UNICEF at its offices to forward on to the organization.

Any businesses or groups undertaking fundraising efforts for the victims of the South Asian tsunami disaster are urged to notify the News-Press of their activities. Next week's deadline for information is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11.