Penny Harvest and #iThinkOutsideMyBox Celebrate the Run For Change

07 June, 2014 – #iThinkOutsideMyBox was pleased to join with Common Cents' Penny Harvest to celebrate 21 years of student service to the community with the Run For Change, a run and rally on the Hudson River. But as you can see, the #iThinkOutsideMyBox activity is much more suited to sitting than running so we were happy to camp at the Independence School, in the shadow of the World Trade Tower and welcome participants after the run for a leisurely painting session.

#iTOMB at the Penny Harvest - Run For Change. Photo Jim Saylor

The Common Cents Penny Harvest grew from one child’s desire to feed the homeless, and since 1991, children between the ages of four and 14 have been converting their natural compassion for others into action by collecting pennies and turning those pennies into grants for community organizations. That adds up to over $9.5 million in grants donated by children since 1991.
 

And as #iThinkOutsideMyBox encourages independence and freedom of expression for kids through positive communication, the Penny Harvest teaches them to take a first-hand proactive approach to community service by being part of the change they wish to see – well before they become adults.

Our thanks to Common Cents Program Director, Keith Hickman and Founder, Teddy Gross for seeing the synergies in our respective approaches and also to Jim Saylor for the lovely photographs – and of course to all our energetic student painters. It was a  wonderful day:)

For more information on #iThinkOutsideMyBox events, contact David here.

A blank Canvas

#iTOMB Blank Canvas 07.02.14 

There's something intimidating about the blank canvas but something liberating as well. A time to sharpen vision and point forward. My thanks to the friends who have helped in our reconstruction this week. We'll be in full operation for the Independence Day weekend. Above, the #iThinkOutsideMyBox gallery awaiting installations. Feel free to come by and paint:)