GA Students With 'Big Hearts' Fundraise For Moms, Babies In Africa

CUMMING, GA — A penny for kindness will go far for moms and babies in Sierra Leone, West Africa, through the Change for a Change service learning Heart Project at Big Blue Marble Academy - Campground Road.

Big Blue Marble is accepting coins through Friday to send to mothers and babies in Sierra Leone through the Madonna Project. Representatives for the academy said in a news release the donations will help support prenatal and postnatal care at a Sierra Leone hospital.

This is the fourth year the Cumming location has participated in Change for a Change.

As of Tuesday afternoon, $477 had been collected, surpassing the $200 goal. Proceeds will go toward doctor visits, clean water and obtaining food for four families, Center Director Brittany Holden told Patch.

Holden said service is true to the hearts of those at Big Blue Marble. Students were tasked with making posters to inform the local community of the project and made cards to send to new mothers visiting the hospital.

Change for a Change helps students learn how to solve real-world problems while making connections in the community.

"We try to help them dial in on their real-world communities and let them know that not everyone is as fortunate as us, so we have to spread the love a little bit to help mommies and babies get the health care (they need)," Holden said.

She said Big Blue Marble loves to "nurture young minds and grow big hearts."

Residents who wish to donate to Change for a Change can visit Big Blue Academy's website and schedule a tour. They can bring their coins with them to the tour, which will be guided by Holden.

The Big Blue Marble Academy - Campground Road is located at 5415 Campground Road. Holden asks for people to contact the academy ahead of the tour.

The next planned project at Big Blue Marble Academy will benefit children's pediatric cancer research through Alex's Lemonade Stand, which will run from May 31-Aug. 31. Students will make and sell lemonade. Bracelets will also be sold.