Saklan School kindergartners will auction off their artwork Thursday and Friday to raise money to buy gifts for children with cancer.
The auction is being held in from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 12, and from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Friday, December 13.
“This is a lesson for them on who we are,” said Burnett. “It shows them what one person does can greatly affect others.”
Burnett started the annual holiday project six years ago when she wanted to combine social consciousness with the art curriculum she emphasizes in her class.
Burnett discovered the Nicholas Colby Fund, a non-profit organization that provides backpacks filled with books, toys and games to help entertain cancer-stricken children during long hospital stays.
Burnett assigns seven different projects to each of her 10 students. Self-portraits, flowers and hearts are among the assignments.
The 70 works of art are then auctioned off during the holiday season. Burnett expects to raise about $1,000 this year.
She divides the money equally between the children and then they go to Games Unlimited in Danville, whose owner opens the store up a couple hours early for the Saklan students.
Burnett said in her six years of taking her students shopping during the holiday season with $100 in their hands, she has never had a single 5-year-old want to buy something for themselves.
“I think people underestimate young children,” said Burnett. “They totally get this. This project teaches the young students how actions can produce positive results in the world, and they learn how little things you do can make a huge difference to others.”
Burnett said the children also get to use their imagination by doing the artwork and take pride in something they have created with their own hands.
“It’s incredible to watch these 5-year-old absorb the experience; it’s an amazing thing that they learn,” said a current Kindergarten parent.