While shopping at garage sales, Springfield's Sebrina Riney decided to use the same approach to encourage giving within the Matheny-Withrow Elementary School community.
Riney spent four weeks looking for donations in order to host a series of October garage sales at which the school's parents have been able to buy needed items at a fraction of what they'd cost in stores while letting 21st Century Community Learning Center students practice math by serving as cashiers.
"We don't need the government. We can help each other," Riney said. "We are really just trying to give back to the community."
Riney, 25, serves as the program assistant for the school's 21st Century program. She enrolled her daughter, Aniya Blue, and sister, Brianna Riney, both 7, in the afterschool curriculum, which provides students math and reading instruction.
"I like the fact that they're surrounded by positive people," Riney said about the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois' 21st Century program, which serves 92 Matheny-Withrow kids.
"I need positive, strong individuals around (my daughter and sister)."
Teachers, community residents and businesses donated kitchen products, books and other supplies for the garage sales.
Parents set prices based on what they could afford, while letting fourthand fifth-graders children practice basic math skills by handling expenses. In addition, students learn the value of community service, Riney said.
"It's just a real-world experience and something that they can have ownership over," said Natalie Mitchell, a third-to-fifth grade resource teacher at Matheny-Withrow.
The garage sales are open only to Matheny-Withrow parents. The program isn't looking to make money off the events, said Kevin Corley, site director of the 21st Century program.
In fact, the organizers ended up with just $15 after the first week.
"We want the kids to see that there are things you can do to help the community," said Corley, a retired principal and teacher.
"(Sebrina) cares so much about people and helping them."
Daisey Coppage brought her 3-year-old daughter, Payton Wicks, and 5-yearold son, Tyler Wicks, to shop while her older son helped other families on Wednesday. Coppage said the sales complement her son's academics and, she added, the prices are unbeatable.
Coppage has two other children at Matheny-Withrow.
She gave the youngest two $1 each to pick something out and set the price - giving them a math lesson as well.
"It's very educational for them," Coppage said as fifth-grader Kyjuan Austin, 11, wrote down the items people were buying.
"They're constantly learning."
Meanwhile, David Blackwell enjoyed seeing other parents help the 21st Century students. His daughter, Jasmine Blackwell, 10, worked at the event Oct. 10 with other fifth-graders. His older children also attended 21st Century while still in elementary school.
"It helps the community back out," Blackwell said about the garage sales.
Principal Diane Motley said the program's staff members put in a lot of hard work.
"It's awesome to have a garage sale where people can donate to the program, but also get things they need for their families," Motley said. "(The children are) helping people, and they're helping themselves and the program they're a part of."
Riney spent four weeks looking for donations in order to host a series of October garage sales at which the school's parents have been able to buy needed items at a fraction of what they'd cost in stores while letting 21st Century Community Learning Center students practice math by serving as cashiers.
"We don't need the government. We can help each other," Riney said. "We are really just trying to give back to the community."
Riney, 25, serves as the program assistant for the school's 21st Century program. She enrolled her daughter, Aniya Blue, and sister, Brianna Riney, both 7, in the afterschool curriculum, which provides students math and reading instruction.
"I like the fact that they're surrounded by positive people," Riney said about the Boys and Girls Club of Central Illinois' 21st Century program, which serves 92 Matheny-Withrow kids.
"I need positive, strong individuals around (my daughter and sister)."
Teachers, community residents and businesses donated kitchen products, books and other supplies for the garage sales.
Parents set prices based on what they could afford, while letting fourthand fifth-graders children practice basic math skills by handling expenses. In addition, students learn the value of community service, Riney said.
"It's just a real-world experience and something that they can have ownership over," said Natalie Mitchell, a third-to-fifth grade resource teacher at Matheny-Withrow.
The garage sales are open only to Matheny-Withrow parents. The program isn't looking to make money off the events, said Kevin Corley, site director of the 21st Century program.
In fact, the organizers ended up with just $15 after the first week.
"We want the kids to see that there are things you can do to help the community," said Corley, a retired principal and teacher.
"(Sebrina) cares so much about people and helping them."
Daisey Coppage brought her 3-year-old daughter, Payton Wicks, and 5-yearold son, Tyler Wicks, to shop while her older son helped other families on Wednesday. Coppage said the sales complement her son's academics and, she added, the prices are unbeatable.
Coppage has two other children at Matheny-Withrow.
She gave the youngest two $1 each to pick something out and set the price - giving them a math lesson as well.
"It's very educational for them," Coppage said as fifth-grader Kyjuan Austin, 11, wrote down the items people were buying.
"They're constantly learning."
Meanwhile, David Blackwell enjoyed seeing other parents help the 21st Century students. His daughter, Jasmine Blackwell, 10, worked at the event Oct. 10 with other fifth-graders. His older children also attended 21st Century while still in elementary school.
"It helps the community back out," Blackwell said about the garage sales.
Principal Diane Motley said the program's staff members put in a lot of hard work.
"It's awesome to have a garage sale where people can donate to the program, but also get things they need for their families," Motley said. "(The children are) helping people, and they're helping themselves and the program they're a part of."