The pandemic delayed, but did not deter a group of students from making good on their plan to donate profits from their business to a local nonprofit. Mintonye Elementary School teacher Barb Tilley received a 2019 Purdue Center for Economic Education grant that allowed her third grade students to create and operate their own business. Their business called “From the Heart” included heart-shaped crayons, bookmarks, crafts and other items.
 
The students made a profit of $220 and decided to donate that money to Natalie’s Second Chance Shelter as a way to support the community. When school switched to remote learning in March, the students were unable to make their donation. However, on October 7, students from that class gathered during recess to meet a representative from the shelter and put their profits in the collection box.
 
“It took awhile, but these students loved sharing the final part of running a business and walked away proud of their hard work,” says Tilley.