M A R C H / A P R I L - 1 9 9 8

Bear-ing Good Will New York Students Send Gifts Around the World
Sale Away—Students sell goodies to earn money for deaf students in Kenya and Japan.

When Kathy Young, a counselor at the New York State School for the Deaf (NYSSD) in Rome, NY, learned that October 27 was "Good Bears of the World Day," it held special meaning. October 27 was the day that NYSSD teacher Andy Wallace had died two years before. Young mentioned to the students that it would be nice to do something in his memory—and the students were enthusiastic.

Andy Wallace, an athlete and teacher at NYSSD for 20 years who died in a car accident two years ago, inspired students to give help to deaf children in foreign lands.

The students decided to donate money from a bake sale on Parents' Day. They would give half of the money to deaf children in Japan and half of the money to deaf children in Kenya. The day of the bake sale, students sold soda and homemade goodies. They raised over $200.

Soon afterward, they shipped 24 teddy bears to deaf children in foreign countries—12 bears went to Kenya, and 12 bears went to Japan. They also shipped a check for $100 to the Kenya Children's Programme.

"With this experience, we learned about the needs of children with disabilities in both of these countries," said Young. "We also carried on the legacy of a special teacher."

Bear Charity-Middle school students prepare to send off a check with the bears.

General comments may be sent to: Ken.Kurlychek@gallaudet.edu
Last modified May 21, 1998
Copyright © 1997, All Rights Reserved
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center

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