Makayla Duke, of Chewelah, originally had an idea at the age of 5 that she would like to raise money for the poor kids in Uganda. She wanted to buy toys and coloring books to send to the children so they would have something with which to play and they would know God loves them. Being told it was too expensive to send those items, she lost interest and forgot about her idea for awhile.
Makayla is now 9 years old and in 4th grade at Gess Elementary School. Her desire to do something good for the children in Uganda was rekindled recently when she was home sick from school. Her grandmother, Mary Knapp, noticed she was working on the computer intently. A little later, she presented Mary with a poster about her idea of collecting “Pennies for the Poor”. She put her poster up at her Tae Kwan Do class and mentioned it to a number of other friends, family and members of her church, Abundant Life Fellowship.
This week was the big job of rolling all the pennies and other coins donated by those touched by Makayla’s heart for the poor. Makayla, her sister Kaitlyn, Grandmother Mary Knapp and Mom, Devan Duke, sorted through coins people had been saving “for a rainy day”. Some had been saved for such a long time, they had to be separated from the carcasses of dead stink bugs! Now that’s dedication!
Makayla was able to raise $253.50 in just a few short weeks and is donating those funds to Hands Across Nations (HAN), our local nonprofit charity working in Uganda. She will continue to collect pennies and coins over the winter while Keith and Carolyn Jones, Directors of HAN, are ministering in N. Uganda. They will keep in touch with Makayla and let her know how her funds will be used for the poor.
Anyone wishing to contribute to Makayla’s “Pennies for the Poor Fund” may contact Mary Knapp at 935-0319. Nickels, dimes and quarters will also be gratefully accepted!
