Hill Schoolchildren, Businesses Raise Money for Haiti

Watkins Montessori students Booker, Alex and Wyndham collecting money for Haiti, photo by Kristine Jones

The Hill is Home had its ear out this week for initiatives to support the Haitian earthquake relief effort, and found some generous and creative ways Hill’s residents, even its youngest citizens, are raising money and emptying their piggy banks for charities providing help in ravaged Haiti.

Watkins Elementary, in the 400 block of 12th Street, SE, which houses a Montessori program, got together and held a bake sale. Students also sponsored two themed dressing days and a homework pass day in which a dollar donation got them a  homework pass for a day, while Thursday’s dollar donation bought the right for a student to wear a funny hat. On Friday, a half-day, a dollar buys the right to wear pajamas to school, Mom sources there tell me. They have also collected money at Eastern Market. These students at Watkins have raised $1,500, so far. The money will be donated to World Vision and the Red Cross.

“The enthusiasm is overwhelming. The excitement of the children wanting to give is awesome,” said a parent involved.

St. Peter’s Interparish School, on 3rd Street, SE, held a “tag” day on Tuesday where kids could pay $2 to dress freely–sans uniform– and parents were asked to write checks, if possible.

At Maury Elementary, on Constitution Avenue and 13 Street,  NE, (where I am a proud parent) students Joaquin Hill, 9, and his brother Xavier, 7, created an initiative called “Pennies for Haiti.” Next week, each classroom will have a Red Cross jar for student contributions from as little as a penny to as much as one can push through the slot.

Nice job, kids.

Elsewhere on the Hill, beloved stylist Mickey Bolek, owner of Michael Anthony Salon on C Street SE near Eastern Market, is having a promotion ending Sunday, in which 20% of all services will be donated to relief efforts in Haiti. In addition, purchases of selected Paul Mitchell products this week will go towards Haitian relief efforts.

“I was very saddened and wanted to help,” Bolek said.

Sticky Rice on H Street NE  hosted a  having a raffle and a Haitian DJ (DJ Relax) on Thursday night. They’ve decided to donate 5% of their sales to Partners in Health, a non-profit humanitarian aid organization very active in Haiti for over 20 years. PIH has been working in Haiti for over 20 years, providing essential medical care to children and adults who otherwise would go without medical treatment.

Also on H Street, the Rock and Roll Hotel  is holding a benefit for charities Partners in Health and Shelter Box next Wednesday through the Rogue Wave Project, with bands such as Caverns, Loose Lips The Jones, and Black Dog Prowl, among others. One hundred percent of the $10 door cover charge and a portion of the bar sales will go to this benefit. Doors open at 5 PM.

If you hear of other offers or initiatives, please feel free to add them in comments below. We would love to hear about more.