DONORS CHOOSE: The Lorax Comes to Life

"I am the Lorax, and I'll yell and I'll shout for the fine things on earth that are on their way out!" - Dr. Seuss - The Lorax

Church Street School fourth grade teacher Michael Virginelli quotes the reknowned children's author in his request for support for his Earth Day project on his page on donorschoose.org.

Virginelli is raising money for the project that allows all of the school's students to grow their own plant and then plant it on the school grounds. Here's his description of the project:

"The students at our school are from low-income families and live in an urban community setting. They have tons of energy and compassionate hearts. However, they don't fully understand the power they have to change the future.

In celebration of Earth Day, all the students at our school will participate in an important project, based on Dr. Seuss's The Lorax. This story is about a boy who lives in a polluted world. He meets the Once-ler who explains to the boy that the world used to be beautiful, filled with fauna and "Truffulla" trees. The Once-ler had cut these trees down even though the Lorax, a creature who spoke for the trees, warned him of the consequences. The land became polluted and the Truffulla trees disappeared. Ending optimistically, the boy receives one last Truffulla seed and is encouraged to plant it so the trees can again flourish. Our students will read this story and receive their own "Truffulla" seed. They will recognize their true potential in saving our world today!

My Project: We are requesting resources so that our students can begin their life-long journey in ecological conservation. Each student will receive a seed, potting soil, and a cup. They will grow these seeds and discuss further ways to save our precious environment. Once the seeds are ready, all the students in our school will plant their seed on our school grounds. This activity will help our urban students recognize how important they are to the future of our precious world. These life-long lessons will help students to develop an understanding for continued conservation of our environmental resources.

If today's students don't learn the true importance of ecology, the future of this country will suffer. Help us spark the passion for ecology among our 385 students! If you support this project, there will be 385 more people working to protect, conserve, and appreciate our natural world in the future. Help make a difference and donate to this important project!! We thank you so much!"

The total cost of the project is only $203.48, of which $20 is already pledged, leaving a balance of $183.48. The money goes toward the purchase of potting soil, cups and plant starter kits. To donate, visit the project page here.