Clark Hewitt collected donations for his school's Snack Pack program at his seventh birthday party rather than getting presents for himself.
A family discussion about his birthday party led to the decision to ask for donations to a charity rather than gifts for the second grader. He chose to have the donations go to the Norwood-Norfolk Snack Pack Program.
"I had my friends bring over snacks," he told Assemblywoman Jenne. "This is the first time doing that."
Assemblywoman Jenne provided Clark with a citation from the New York State Assembly recognizing his good deed.
She thanked Clark for his concern and action for those in need in his community.
"He has played a leadership role by setting an example for all of us to follow. This was an exemplary contribution to the Norwood-Norfolk Snack Pack Program and the school community," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She said his selfless act of forgoing gifts to help others benefited the approximately 150 children in grades K-5 at Norwood-Norfolk Central School that receive the snack packs.
"His action has brought a sense of pride not only to his supportive parents, Tanya and Jonathan, but all those who have helped mold him into such a thoughtful member of our community," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
The assemblywoman presented Clark with the citation at the school in a brief ceremony attended by several of his fellow students, his parents, School Superintendent Jamie Cruikshank and Norwood-Norfolk Central Board of Education member and Norwood-Norfolk Snack Pack Program Chair Mary Ellen Todd.
Ms. Todd thanked Clark for his donation. "I was very appreciative that Clark did this. We've used it already," she told the second grader.
Assemblywoman Jenne said she was pleased to have an opportunity to highlight the Snack Pack Program as well as the wonderful example set by the second grader.
"The reality is our communities in the North Country are still facing challenging financial times, and we continue to see a lot of need. We know food security is a critical issue of concern for many families in the North Country, and Clark's donation helped put the spotlight on that need," she noted.
Assemblywoman Jenne, speaking in front of an audience that included many elementary-age students, said Clark's donation was a reminder of the positive steps kids can take in their own communities.
She said the holiday season provides an opportunity to make donations to programs ranging from angel trees and community food drives at schools to her own Books for Children's drive.
IN THE PHOTO:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne reads a citation from the New York State Assembly recognizing Norwood-Norfolk second-grader Clark Hewitt for making a donation to the school's Snack Pack Program. He used his seventh birthday party to collect donations for the snack packs rather than get gifts for himself.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne talks to Norwood-Norfolk second grader Clark Hewitt about his decision to make a donation to the Norwood-Norfolk Snack Pack Program.
Clark Hewitt, 7, a second grader at Norwood-Norfolk Central School, was recently presented a citation by Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne. Pictured are, front row: Clark Hewitt. Back row (l-r): Assemblywoman Jenne, Jonathan Hewitt and Tanya Hewitt.
