Sacajawea Elementary students support Water 1st

During the month of May, students at Seattle’s Sacajawea Elementary School raised over $360.00 for Water 1st projects in Bangladesh. Under the leadership of librarian Bonnie Nelson, students collected coins and learned about the importance of and need for safe water in Asia.

Throughout the month, students in each class learned about the water crisis in Bangladesh by viewing a Water 1st film, vocabulary lessons, games, and book displays on water and Bangladesh. A cart was set up in the hallway featuring a globe, books, photos, and a large water jug in which coins were collected each day.

The campaign culminated in an all-school assembly where librarian Bonnie Nelson told the students how many coins they collected. Students were excited to learn that in the jug there were 4 dollar bills, 3 Sacajawea coins, 1 half dollar, 873 quarters, 849 dimes, 609 nickels, and 2126 pennies! Special recognition was given to Rachel, a kindergarten student who saved her allowance for an entire year to give to charity. After learning about the children in Bangladesh, Rachel brought her entire savings of 80 quarters to support the work of Water 1st.

Executive Director, Marla Smith-Nilson accepted the students’ generous donation stressing what an important role they are playing in changing the lives of at least 80 children in Bangladesh. "With safe water, now these children can go to school just like you, they will be healthier and have more time to play. This gift you have given to them will change their lives forever. You are special students, and we are so impressed with your generosity and the fact that you care about other kids who live so far away."