When I heard about the oil spill in the gulf, I was shocked and surprised at the immense impact on the wildlife that BP caused.  All of these helpless animals were being affected; but no animals should have to suffer from a careless mistake by people.  Unlike the animals, we aren’t helpless.  So, I decided to help. My mom and I contacted NWF (National Wildlife Federation) and they suggested that right now the best way to help is by donations, so they can fund all the workers helping to clean the animals.

So, we decided the best way to help is for me to paint, which I love to do, and sell lemonade. People can help support my efforts by coming to Vincent’s Country Store on Saturday, July 10 between 9am-2pm, and buying one (or two) of my paintings and/or some lemonade. We gladly accept any amount of a donation.

I have been painting with oils since the end of the school year, and I am going into the sixth grade. I have been painting for fun all of my life. I don’t use anything besides oil paints, but in the future I could try acrylic paints. Besides painting, I enjoy playing with my Labrador puppy mix, Bear, and swimming.

I know the donations are going to the right place because my mom and I are actually going to sit down and send them directly to the National Wildlife Federation for BP oil spill restoration fund. Here are some ways you, too, can help:

• Donate online @ www.nwf.org/oilspill
• Make a leadership gift
• Text Wildlife @ 20222 to donate $10.00
• Call 1-800-822-9919
• Mail Donations to National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Dr.
Reston, Va. 20190-5362. (Make sure to specify all donations to BP oil spill restoration fund)

Thank You in advance for all your support!
Madison Simon