One Student’s Amazing UNICEF Experience

Thank you for giving the opportunity for Dylan to participate in the recent UNICEF activity.  Dylan raised a total of $141.00 by himself!  He shared the information he had learned about UNICEF with me and immediately asked if we could begin that very day.  He was serious and concerned about raising money “for the children.”  After careful thought and consideration, he decided he wanted to raise enough money to help vaccinate 200 children ($60.)

I took him to Target after school, the very day he received his UNICEF box.  On the way to Target, we practiced his introduction and approach.  He approached strangers with confidence.  He began with “Excuse me!  My name is Dylan.  Would you like to donate to UNICEF?”  He would then show potential donors what their contributions could provide for children who “didn’t have anything.”  Often, various conversations would begin.  Donors would ask Dylan which UNICEF effort was most important to him.  He quickly responded with “the shots!”  Our forty-five minute trip to Target resulted in contributions totaling $60.00.  We are proud of Dylan and were surprised to learn he earned so much in such a short time.

The following day, Dylan decided he needed to raise more money.  After all, how would the medication reach the children if they didn’t have a bike!  He also decided that a soccer ball or two would be important to the children and would make them feel better after their shots.  Unfortunately, that day we both had our appointment with the allergist and were scheduled for a series of shots from 8:15am -2:30pm.  While in the waiting room, Dylan wasted no time in approaching patients in the waiting room with success.  Once our names were called and the series of shots began, through his tears, he asked the nurse if she wanted to donate to UNICEF. She promised she would check her purse and see if she had any change.  He replied “OK.”  Several minutes later to our surprise, several staff members entered our room and took turns placing their donations in Dylan’s box- he lit up like a Christmas tree!  They praised him for his efforts and wished him well.

Halloween did not stop Dylan from asking for donations.  Once again, we visited Target, then Party City and were successful at Target.  We, then had lunch at McDonald’s where he also received donations from patrons.  On Saturday, Dylan went to Costco with his dad where he received several donations.  He took a break on Sunday.

On Monday after our Tate Farm Field Trip, we went to McDonald’s for lunch and once again, Dylan took his UNICEF box.  Afterwards, we visited Starbucks where he was very successful.  Knowing today was the last day he had to reach his new goal of $140 (100 vaccinations, bike and 2 soccer balls) he asked if we could return to Target, which we did as well as approached several shoppers walking to and from various shops along the way.  Before heading home he asked if we could make one last stop at Walmart, which is by our home.  We did, which resulted in Dylan surpassing his goal.  Dylan raised $141.00.

I wanted to share this story about our son and his efforts as we are obviously very, very proud of him.  He knew there would be no reward for raising money and he was not promised anything in return.  He chose to spend his time to help children he will never know.  He was nervous and a little “scared” each and every time he approached donors and even turned down (sometimes rudely) a few times, but he never gave up…

This was a great learning experience for Dylan which we feel has boosted his confidence and has allowed him to be part of something greater than himself.  What was surprising to us were the compliments he received, especially from the “twenty-somethings” who shook his hand and told him what a wonderful thing he was doing for children around the world.  We had great conversations because of this experience and are certain it has impacted him in many ways.

Cindy and Chad M.

[Dylan will be happy to know that MHS’s Trick or Treat for UNICEF raised over $400 total and the Elementary I class will be considering his request as they decide how to allocate their funds.  Stay tuned to see Ms. McCollum’s blog entry later in the month.]