The kids at Bensalem Christian Day School know it’s never too early to start giving back
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
The kids at Bensalem Christian Day School were ready to walk. Sporting bright yellow T-shirts, shorts and hats, the pre-schoolers held their own Alex’s Lemonade Walk in the lot behind their school on April 27 to raise money for children with cancer.
For the past month, the kids and teachers have been fundraising for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, putting money into a large jar located under a poster of lemons with each child’s name written on it. The kids range in age from 2–5 years old, so the concept of the cause and donating to help sick children was difficult to grasp at first. However, after each teacher read their class the book, “Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand,” which chronicles the inspiring and true story of Alex and her battle with childhood cancer, they understood why they were walking and were excited for the big day.
This marks the day school’s second year participating in an Alex’s Lemonade Walk. In previous years, it raised money by running a lemonade stand. The walk kicked off at 10 a.m. as teachers led their classes outside. Opening remarks were made by Director Lisa Woods, as she reminded the classes what their donated money was being used for.
“We’re going to send it to the kids who are sick,” she told them.
One class followed behind the next until everyone was walking around the perimeter of the lot. The walk was full of fun and laughter as the teachers guided their classes. Though some breaks formed in the line due to untied shoes or tiredness, each child walked around the lot three times with the promise of water ice and pretzels at the end. Even three newborn triplets in yellow hats completed the walk, pushed in a stroller by their mother, who also had a daughter in the preschool class.
After the three laps, the kids gathered on the steps to sing their school’s song. Complete with hand motions and arm waving, they belted out, “I’ve got the day school spirit up in my head.” The school song was followed by the classic “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
Bensalem Christian Day School opened its doors in 1968 and is located next to the Bensalem Methodist Church. Since its inception, the school has been dedicated to providing a Christian preschool education for Bensalem and the surrounding communities.
The school offers four programs for various age groups including Just You and Me, which allows children to participate in an array of preschool experiences alongside a parent or caregiver, Tot Time, Early Learners and Pre-K. Registration is now open for school programs and summer camp. More information is available at bensalemchristiandayschool.org. ••