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Helping earthquake victims in Haiti
Skagit Valley Herald
January 19, 2010 - 07:00 AM
MOUNT VERNON - Eight-year-old Logan Jenkins emptied his "charity jar" when he first heard about the devastation in Haiti and learned he could send money to help the earthquake victims.
But he wanted to do more.
"I didn't have that much money, so I decided to raise it," Logan said, looking up from the makeshift hot chocolate stand he set up Monday to accomplish his fundraising goal.
With classes at Immaculate Conception Regional School, where Logan is in the second grade, not in session for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the student became a charitable entrepreneur for the day.
"I saw it on the news and commercials that you can help in Haiti. I wanted to do something," he said.
"I was thinking about a lemonade stand. But then I remembered that it was winter, so it'd be too cold. So I wanted to do hot chocolate."
With the help of his parents, who provided seed money and transportation to the grocery store, Logan was in business outside his home on Shelly Hill Road by 11 a.m.
His 10-year-old brother, Hayden Jenkins, and their neighbor, Ben Johnson, 11, joined in the effort soon after by making signs and helping Logan serve drinks.
Logan waved enthusiastically at each car that drove by. And if that wasn't enough, the grin peaking out from beneath his tweed golf cap was nearly irresistible to potential buyers.
But he credits his brother for coming up with the slogan: "Hot Chocolate for Haiti," which appeared on a sign at the end of their driveway and at the entrance to their neighborhood off East Section Street.
The signs asked for $1 per cup, but Logan said most everyone said to "keep the change" on larger bills.
His mom, Lori Jenkins, said some people had written $20 checks for a cup of hot chocolate - topped with a mega marshmallow if desired.
The money would all be donated to Haiti through the Red Cross, she said.
Logan had surpassed his goal of $100 by mid-afternoon, but wanted to stay in business a while longer to capitalize on rush-hour traffic.
Logan has lofty goals for his charity efforts.
This Christmas, the two brothers saved up $400 from their allowances to give to Samaritan's Purse, a Christian relief organization that provides gifts and resources to the needy.
Logan's mother said he's always been a giver.
"He's got such a big heart," she said. "You have to encourage them to give."
Logan's mom said $1 out of their $4 allowance has always gone into the charity jar.
But Logan usually donates his entire allowance.
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