FROM STAFF REPORTS
Second-graders do 'a little something'
TRAVERSE CITY -- Second-graders in Erika Olivey's class at Blair Elementary raised $137 for Haiti relief.
The class is studying Earth science, which includes learning how earthquakes happen. "My kids were very interested and in tune with what was happening," Olivey said. "We decided to do something, even it if was a little something."
The students collected change, sorted it, counted it and rolled it. They plan to donate it to the Red Cross.
"We wanted to show that, even if you feel like you don't have much yourself, you can still make a difference in the world," Olivey said.
Oryana, customers help Oxfam
TRAVERSE CITY -- Oryana Natural Foods Market donated $3,400 -- more than 10 percent of the store's net proceeds for Jan. 20 -- to Oxfam America for relief efforts in Haiti.
Oryana also has been collecting donations from members and shoppers who come into the store.
"As an organization, we were deeply affected by the plight of people going without food, shelter and medical care in Haiti," said Stephen Nance, Oryana general manager.
Oryana is on Tenth Street at Lake Avenue in Traverse City. For more information, call 947-0191 or go to www.oryana.coop.
GT Academy raises more than $2,500
TRAVERSE CITY -- The Spirit/Jeans Day at Grand Traverse Academy raised more than $2,500 for the American Red Cross Haiti relief efforts.
Students paid $2 each to wear jeans instead of uniforms.
Two classes also donated $500 from the earnings of their businesses.
Benefit concert set for Feb. 17
TRAVERSE CITY -- A Haiti benefit concert is scheduled for Feb. 17 at Kilkenny's.
Music by Levi Britton, The Breakers and Blue Dirt will be featured. Doors open at 7 p.m. There's a suggested donation of $5. There will also be silent auctions, a door prize and items for sale to raise money for Missions of Love.
The concert is sponsored by Phi Alpha, a social work honors society student group through Ferris State University, and Kilkenny's Irish Pub. For more information, e-mail tc2haiti@gmail.com.
