Summer Reading

Kids learn it's good to do good

In 2007 several area school children were awarded $50 savings bonds through their efforts to help others.

As an additional challenge to the Summer Reading Program in Ashland, Nadine and Warren Heaps, owners of Purple Ink Insurance and Power Tune Auto Repair, offered participants the opportunity to make doing good deeds for others as habitual as their reading.

Several children rose to the challenge. For an entire year, these kids consciously and consistently incorporated helping others into their lives, with deeds such as making artwork for shut-ins, visiting the elderly, collecting bottles and cans to support a local animal shelter, and donating toys and books to needy children. The students earned $50 United States Savings Bonds.

Participant Brenna Abbott, now in 4th grade, said she enjoyed the project because, "It makes me feel good after I do something for someone else. I like to donate to people who need it." Twelve-year-old Ethan LaFontaine said he learned how to be determined and to persevere. And seven-year-old Richie Abbott was glad to donate his own toys to other area children. He said, "I think that the other kids are going to be very happy."

Local resident Emily Patricia Schultz also participated by donating to a book drive.

Deb Abbott, Brenna and Richie's mother, appreciated the opportunity to reinforce the message of giving. "This is something we try to teach our kids, that it's good to do things for others. I think it's important for our kids to appreciate everything we're able to do for them and to be aware there are a lot of kids out there who are not as fortunate. It's a way to share and acknowledge how blessed we are." Ms. Abbott also expressed her gratitude for the efforts of Nadine and Warren Heaps in bringing this challenge to the children. "Nadine and Warren do so much around town. It says a lot about them-they not only work in the community, but support it. I give them a lot of credit."

In awarding the savings bonds, Ms. Heaps said, "We especially wanted to reward the kids who stand out, who go above and beyond by being extra helpful and thoughtful. Warren and I find it so personally rewarding ourselves to give back to the community-this challenge gave us the privilege of meeting kids who have the same commitment. We're so pleased to be recognizing their efforts, and we know we'll be hearing good things about them in the future."