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Cornerstone
Kids, Inc. Annual Report of Activities
Summary of 2009 Activities
The program operates Monday through Friday from 2:30
p.m. until 5:30 p.m. with a dedicated staff of eight and a small pool
of volunteers.
Activities and Donations-2009:
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In January, St. Andrews Episcopal Church Outreach
Committee donated the following items from Cornerstone’s wish
list: 20 alphabet and number bingo sets, a big book rack and 2 writing
boards.
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In February, “Bess the Book Bus” visited
the program for the first time. She read stories and each child selected
a free book from the bus to take home. Black History month was observed
with a program and a soul food dinner.
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In March, four 4th -grade students passed the entrance
exam to attend The Academy Prep Center of Tampa.
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In April, an article spotlighting the Cornerstone
Kids program appeared in the Tampa Tribune.
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Channel 13 News featured a short story on Mrs. Leggett
and the program in May. Also, parents & friends were invited to
the annual “End of Year Musical” that closes the regular
school year.
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The six-week Summer Enrichment Program was fun-filled
and exciting. Fieldtrips were taken to Chuck E Cheese, Pin Chasers,
USA Skates, MOSI and a Water Day was held on site. Other enrichment
activities offered included Orff Music lessons, face painting, crocheting,
beginners Spanish, Ophelia Project for girls with Boys Initiative,
storytelling, scrapbooking and arts & crafts. Enrichment activities
were facilitated by volunteers and Cornerstone instructors.
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In July, Cornerstone presented the annual “End
of Summer Program” for parents, family members and friends.
Volunteers and instructors were honored for the important work they
do.
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In August, Thirty-eight children were given school
supplies, backpacks and reading books. School supplies were provided
by Travelers Outreach Committee and St. Mary’s School.
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In the fall an instructor led technology web-based
program called WebQuest was added to the curriculum for children in
grades 4th through 5th. Once again, Cornerstone Kids, Inc. participated
in the Eckerd Family Foundation Scholarship Initiative awarding over
ten scholarships.
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In October, Cornerstone Kids participated in “Lights
on After School” to raise awareness of the importance of after-school
programs. A successful “Open-House” was held for parents.
Halloween was celebrated with a party and lots of trick-O-treats.
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First Book Marketplace awarded Cornerstone book credit
of $528.00 to purchase books.
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In November, the Board of Directors held a successful
“Garage Sale & Fish Fry” fundraiser.
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Our annual Thanksgiving bag and turkey distribution
was held on November 19th. Cornerstone Board of Directors provided
food items for each family.
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Cornerstone Annual Christmas Program/Party &
Gift Distribution was exciting. Each child was given a pair of shoes
by the Alegria’s Kickin for Kids Program. Thanks to all our
Christmas donors, we are very grateful.
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In 2009, over 6,000 well-balanced, nutritious meals
were served through the Cornerstone Kids Café. America’s
Second Harvest is the program’s largest food provider. Thanks
to St. John The Divine Outreach Committee in Ruskin and Mr. &
Mrs. Clarence Lee for donating serving supplies in 2009.
The following foundation, corporate and other grants were
awarded to Cornerstone Kids, Inc. in 2009: Bank of America Foundation,
Conn Memorial Foundation, Eckerd Family Foundation, Travelers Foundation,
Tilchin Charitable Foundation, Southwest Diocesan Council Grant, Jubilee
Ministry Grant, Tampa Chapter of the Links Inc., and St. John’s
Outreach Committee Grant. Through grants, proceeds from the Lincoln-Douglass
Ball and generous monetary donations from private donors, churches/outreach
ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, friends, board
members and St. James House of Prayer parishioners, the program is able
to meet its yearly budget. Thanks to our contributors for their financial
and in-kind support. Special thanks to the members of the Cornerstone
Board of Directors for their strong support, leadership, hard work and
encouragement all year.
Olatha Leggett,
Program Director
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