13 year old Boy's Coin Donation

to LSF Makes a Difference

Helps Another Youth Get Glasses

6 May 2009

By Thomas L. Weitzel

LSF Communications

Coins thrown into a water jug can sometimes make a real difference in someone's life.  A 13-year-old boy from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Weston, Florida learned that recently in a meaningful way.

The story begins with a phone call from Terry Mendola of Weston to Danielle Kearney, Director of Church and Community Relations for Lutheran Services Florida (LSF).  Ms. Mendola asked if there was anything that her 13-year-old son Marcus could do to assist LSF as part of a confirmation project.

"I had just gotten an email earlier that day from Elke Simmons of Clinical Services for LSF's CINS/FINS program in Ft. Lauderdale asking for help with $100 to buy a school uniform for a little girl," said Ms. Kearney.  "I thought perhaps Marcus could sponsor a fund raiser at his church and suggested it to his mother, who liked the idea."

Ms. Mendola then called Elke Simmons in Ft. Lauderdale, who reported that the school uniform need had already been taken care of.  However, Simmons said that she had also discovered a need of $150 for glasses for a 13-year-old girl in the CINS/FINS program whose family could not afford it.

After hearing about the need from his mother, young Marcus decided that his water jug of coins might already have enough to buy the glasses.  So he poured out the coins and started counting and discovered that there was indeed enough.

Marcus then composed a short note to the girl in need, stating in part, "I have been very blessed with a chance to reach out and share with you. Over the years I’ve collected coins in a giant water jug.  I have counted $150.00 in change.  I want to share this gift with you.  I hope that you know this comes from my heart.”

Marcus' mother swapped the coins for a check and mailed it with Marcus' note to LSF to assist.

"It's not often that a 13-year-old boy thinks of others in such generous ways," said Ms. Kearney.  "Even coins in a jug can help someone's life.  Thank you, Marcus, for making a difference."

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