Trying to make a difference

Lolita Harper

NEWPORT BEACH -- They didn’t know any of the victims. They’ve never

met the rescue workers. They only know that their country needs their

help.

Children in the Newport-Mesa area showed Saturday that despite their

age, they will do what they can to help to help the country move forward

after Tuesday’s ghastly East Coast terrorist attack.

Two separate clans of children -- none older than 10 -- took to the

streets Saturday to raise money for strangers more than 3,000 miles away.

A group of nine children in the Harbor View housing development raised

nearly $600 in four hours selling small American flag decals. The

children asked for a donation of at least a dollar but received

contributions of up to $60.

Matt Wilkerson and Connor Gaughan, both 9, rode over on their scooters

to give $20 each to the cause. And a number of luxury sport utility

vehicles and Mercedes stopped to chip in.

All of the proceeds will be sent to the American Red Cross, said

8-year-old Ryan Grable.

Megan Rucker, 9, was among the children selling flag decals on Port

Renwick.

“It’s my birthday today but I wanted to sell these before my party,”

Megan said.

Neighbor Gary Frenkiel, owner of Tec Color Craft Silk Screen Printers,

donated about 500 decals to the children when he heard of their

fund-raising plan.

“It’s so great to see them out here,” Frenkiel said. “I know this

whole thing is hard for them to understand, but at least this makes them

feel like they are helping.”

Feeling the same sentiment of empowerment, a different group of

children set up a lemonade stand in Newport Heights to raise money for

rescue workers who are working to find survivors -- and victims -- of the

World Trade Center attack.

Jeff Newman, son of Newport Beach Police Capt. Tim Newman, and about

seven of his friends raised about $250 selling lemonade, cookies and

chips.

“We’ve just been talking about it at school, and I just feel sad

because of all the people who died in the building,” the 10-year-old

said.

The Newport Heights group plans to sell more lemonade today on Clay

Street, said 8-year-old Andy Baker.