Alturas students host carnival and raise over $5K for local nonprofit
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IDAHO FALLS — Some students at Alturas International Academy have turned their economics unit into real-world impact as they planned and hosted a full school carnival that raised more than $5,000 for a local nonprofit.
As part of their lessons on economics, fourth and fifth grade students designed, built and operated a variety of booths and activities, inviting families and community members to enjoy an evening of games and entertainment while learning how small businesses work.
By the end of the event, the students had raised $5,052.05, which they chose to donate to the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP).
“We are just incredibly proud of the effort, creativity and heart of our students demonstrated,” said teacher Elaine Goodwin. “They didn’t just raise money – they learned what it means to serve their community.”
EICAP is a nonprofit that provides heating assistance, rental support, home-delivered meals for seniors and other essential services to at-risk individuals and families across eastern Idaho.
CEO John Radford visited the school Thursday to thank the students for their donation.
“For me, $5,052.05 — wow,” Radford said. “Some of this money will pay for power so someone won’t be cold next week. Some will make sure seniors who can’t afford food will still have lunch or dinner. And some will help people stay in their homes when they’re struggling with rent. You should be very proud.”
He also shared a lesson about strength in community, comparing the students’ efforts to the interconnected roots of California’s towering redwood trees.
“Redwoods stand hundreds of feet tall, but their roots only go five feet deep,” he said. “They stay standing because their roots interweave. They hold each other up. What you did by giving — by looking outside yourself — is exactly that. You became the roots that help our community stay strong.”