By EMIL WHITIS

Daily Press Staff Writer

When Dylan Franco, a Roselawn Elementary School student, saw the Haitian disaster on TV he immediately felt the need to help. He wrote a letter describing his feelings and presented it to his principal, Tina Perez, who facilitated Franco’s efforts by sending a copy home with each student.

After collecting loose change for a week, the students of Roselawn amassed a sizable collection of coins and donated them to Franco’s cause.

Original collection estimates of $150 to $200 were crushed on Friday as a counter on a change machine at First American Bank easily passed $200, then $300 and $400. When the dust cleared, the counter read $493.87, which First American Bank rounded off to an even $500. Marketing coordinator for First American Bank Bud Shipman pledged to match the amount, bringing the total to $1,000.

“It is just awesome to think what such a young kid can do to help people he’ll never see. He’s done a truly good thing,” said Shipman.

Franco was presented with an honorary certificate by the bank for his good deed. The money raised will be sent to the American Red Cross, earmarked for Haitian Disaster Relief.

Franco’s letter, which was sent home with all Roselawn students, read as follows:

Hello. My name is Dylan, and I live in Artesia, New Mexico. I am a fourth grade student at Roselawn Elementary. Artesia is a great place to live because people are always very nice and very helpful.

I would like to ask all Artesians for their help. I would like Artesia to unite and help the people in Haiti. When I first saw what happened to the people in Haiti on TV, I felt really bad. I wished I could help dig people out myself. I felt bad because, what if that was us? The people are struggling. I know what it’s like to be struggling because my mom struggles to take care of me and my Brother.

Anyway, I am asking the citizens of Artesia to donate some money, whatever you can afford, to help the people of Haiti. You can send money orders or checks to: American Red Cross

P.O. Box 37243

Washington, D.C. 20013

My school is collecting coins this week. I hope you will join our efforts to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Sincerely,

Dylan Franco

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