Young boy's concern about children of Haiti sparks concert
Gail Maholick/TIMES NEWS Spencer Pyne, center, was concerned about the images of homeless and orphaned children he saw on television following the earthquake. His comments sparked a new organization, Students 4 Students. Taking on helping with the project are, Kenzie Teno, left; and Brianna Oswald, right.
When young Spencer Pyne saw the images of homeless children on television following the earthquake in Haiti, he told his mother he wanted to do something to help the children. Spencer is a second grade student at Franklin Elementary School.
"Mommy, we have to help," was his plea. "Look Mommy, the children are hurting."
His mother Melodia Pyne of Franklin Township felt his pain and decided to help her son help the children. She said she had no idea that the television images would be so graphic, or she might not have left her child watch the newscast.
So Pyne decided to form an organization to help.
"We call our organization, Students 4 Students," she said. "Because it is truly children helping children."
As part of the project, they are collecting new or nearly new blankets to send to the children of Haiti, plus are planning a Candle Light Benefit Concert at 6 p.m. Friday, April 30 at the Lehighton Park amphitheater to raise money to help the children. Raindate is May 7. There will be performances by Flux, Foreplay and other local artists. The main performers will be students of the Lehighton area.
Pyne said that an audition for student talent will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. tonight at Lehighton High School.
"In the wake of the tragic earthquake on Jan. 12, the world has come to a new awareness of Haiti," she said. "We have the opportunity to do something so big for someone so small. Please help us by donating what you can."
Proceeds from the event will go to "Feed the Children," organization to help the children of Haiti.
Pyne also contacted the high school to see if any students were willing to help with the blanket drive through a "senior project" plan and stepping up to help were Brianna Oswald and Kenzie Teno.
The girls will be helping to collect blankets throughout the community and will be helping Pyne with shipping the blankets to Haiti following the concert.
