Issuu

Valrico

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May 2021

Volume 18,

Issue 5

Ph: 657-2418

CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS

VALRICO ELEMENTARY STUDENT’S BIRTHDAY WISH FILLS LOCAL RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE WITH JOY

A KID’S PLACE TEACHES KIDS HOW TO CULTIVATE PRODUCE

By Samantha Trezevant

kids loved this as it actually gave them a chance to play with their food. Soon, they will harvest their own fruits and veggies on harvest day. You can help support A Kid’s Place by

By Hayley Fedor ble character, and a certificate to receive free Happy Meals for a year. When it came to choosing Ronald McDonald House as his birthday charity, Logan said, “They go there because they have family members in the hospital that are sick. … I felt bad for them and I don’t really need anything, so I just wanted to give them stuff.” The children from A Kid’s Place learning all about how to plant fruits and veggies.

Logan Pinner’s parents, Valrico Elementary staff and representatives from the Caspers Company surround Logan to recognize his generosity.

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This year, as Valrico Elementary student Logan Pinner celebrated his 10th birthday, instead of asking for the newest toys on the market or the best birthday party on the block, he decided to do something bigger than himself; Logan decided to use his birthday to collect donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities as a way to give back to others in place of receiving birthday gifts. With the help of his mother, Heidi Pinner, Logan set up an Amazon Wish List, including items like books, gift cards, toys and even a TV to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. “He sees through his heart, I think,” said Heidi, “He encourages us to do better and be more compassionate, so I wasn’t surprised that he wanted to help, just really proud that he chose to do it.” On April 7, the day of Logan’s birthday, Caspers Company made a special visit to Valrico Elementary to surprise Logan with gifts and recognition to thank him for his selfless and generous contribution to the Ronald McDonald House. During the small celebration, Logan was awarded a Smile Ambassador T-shirt, representing his no-

Much of Logan’s compassion for the families in Ronald McDonald House comes from his own experience a few short years ago when he received emergency surgery to remove his appendix two days before Christmas. “I think some of his empathy comes from experiencing that and knowing that what these families are going through is so much more challenging and hard,” said Heidi. Through Logan’s efforts to use his birthday as a way to give back to the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay, over 50 items, worth more than $1,000 altogether, were donated. Although Logan’s birthday fundraiser has since ended, you can still help. To find out more about the local Ronald McDonald House Charities and how to become involved or donate, visit rmhctampabay.org.

Childhood is an era of growth and learning in every child. A Kid’s Place ensures that every child it cares for experiences the best learning experience possible. Since 2009, A Kid’s Place has been serving Tampa’s community by touching the lives of over 1,520 children and 665 families through providing a safe haven for foster children as well as an amazing educational program. The newest addition to the organization is a garden. This garden is rooted in the belief that it is important for every child to learn about the growth of produce. The mission of the garden program is to connect children with nature and promote an understanding of vegetable planting and their role in healthy eating habits. This aids A Kid’s Place’s overall mission of providing a safe, loving and nurturing home for foster children. It was a special experience for the children; “The kids have been so excited to check the progress of the garden and help take care of it,” according Laura Herres, kitchen coordinator. Jeff Krenz, property manager, even said that “There are little tiny blossoms and teeny-tiny tomatoes and peppers already.” ACF Tampa Bay Culinary Association is who made this experience possible, particularly Vanessa and Rene Marquis. Their team graciously provided the supplies and knowledge on how to plant and grow their own fruits and vegetables. The process allowed the children to explore their inner creative side by personalizing the buckets that their produce was planted in. The children enjoyed getting their hands dirty, and even playing food-themed games. The

donating to it, hosting a fundraiser, volunteering, hosting a drive and even shopping. To learn more, visit https://akidsplacetb. org/ways-to-help/, or visit its Facebook and Twitter pages @AKidsPlaceTB.

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