Fundraiser teaches compassion

By HALLIE BLUNTSpecial to the Herald TimesMEEKER I Barone Middle School is seizing the opportunity to reinforce a valuable life lesson. Special education teacher Amy Slimp is heading up a fundraiser to help two kids in Loveland who have cerebral palsy. The money will go towards a service dog for the twins.Slimp not only wants to raise money for the kids but more importantly raise awareness about kids with disabilities. The fundraising idea began with a sixth-grade student telling Mrs. Slimp about a program his cousins were a part of called conductive education that was selling pet rocks to make money. After further discussion, the idea grew into the concept of educating students on the importance of volunteerism and service. Each day following C.S.A.P. testing, Barone Middle School students are offered a class entitled Academy. The kids can choose from subjects like scrapbooking, outdoor survival and other non-traditional classes. Slimp approached Principal Jim Hanks about using this time to help with the fund raiser and teach the importance of understanding disabilities. The class entitled Service Learning was established for the students this year.The concept is very basic — teach students ways to volunteer and serve and reinforce the importance of these traits, emphasizing the concept that volunteering and giving does not take more than time and kindness. The students will learn these skills as they paint pet rocks to sell as part of the fundraiser for the two children. The class has more than 100 rocks to paint, donated by Meeker Sand & Gravel. The paint and supplies have been donated by Chris Uphoff. The rocks will be sold at Wendll’s Wondrous Things, Meeker Drugs and Barone Middle School. They are $5 each and all proceeds go to purchasing and training the service dog.The total cost of the dog, training, medical expenses and microchip is $6,500 but the goal amount to raise for James and Libby is $5,000 due to a generous gift of $1,000 dollars given by a member of the training staff after hearing of the Meeker project.The dog is trained to perform such tasks as opening and shutting doors, helping undress, picking up dropped items, bracing Libby when she gets in and out of bed and alerting the parents if the kids need them.The twins, James and Libby, plan to visit the Meeker students in April and information about them and how to help can be found on the website. Funds.gofndme.com/2mmvo