8/27/14 - A local elementary school student who led a project to make sure none of his peers went without a hot lunch is being recognized for his positive work to make a difference in the lives of kids in the community. Last year, 8-year-old Cayden Taipalus began raising money and putting it into the lunch accounts of students who receive reduced-cost meals at Challenger Elementary in Howell. Caydenâs mom, Amber Peters, was recently contacted by Elmerâs Products Inc. and notified that he would be receiving the 2014 Elmer Award. In cooperation with the Kids in Need Foundation, the award is presented to teachers and students who demonstrate exemplary qualities such as empathy and leadership and work to make the world a better place through meaningful community service. Peters tells WHMI a very large package full of Elmerâs products and school supplies was mailed to Cayden, which he received last weekend. She says a company representative is expected to arrive in town Friday morning for an 11am event at Challenger, where Cayden will be presented with an award and a donation will also be made to his school. The project got started when one of Cayden's friends couldn't get a full lunch at the school. In those situations, the district provides students with an alternate lunch option, usually a cheese sandwich and a juice box. Cayden began collecting cans, asking for donations from friends and family, and even took his campaign to Facebook to ask the community for support. More than $35,000 was raised and Cayden was also publicly honored by the Howell Board of Education. Peters says Cayden is pretty excited about the award and theyâve been contacted recently by various media outlets including the Rachel Ray Show and Kids National Geographic. She says theyâre hoping the exposure will bolster fundraising efforts so they can help more kids start off on the right foot for another school year. (JM)
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