Submitted article
Clean drinking water is an essential part of life. The residents of Flint, MI are still struggling to have clean water on a daily basis. After reading an article about the city’s struggles and the decline in donations, Galion fourth grade students Steven Glew and Ben Rinehart decided to take action.
The idea began in Mrs. Donna Shipley’s fourth grade class when the class read an article about the water crisis and the increasing need for donations. According to Steven’s mom, Cindy, he wanted to do his part to help and just take a couple cases of water to Flint.
“I told him it wasn’t that easy, not encouraging or discouraging him,” Mrs. Glew said. “He later got on the Internet and wrote up a plan for collecting water for his teacher to look at. My husband and I told him he should see if his friends wanted to help.”
After school the next day, Steven informed his mom that Ben Rinehart was coming to their home to make a brochure. During the school day, Steven and Ben had already proposed their plan to Galion Intermediate School Principal Alex Sharick.
“Mr. Sharick and Mr. Grubbs (Galion City School District Superintendent) approved the boys’ plan the day they presented it,” Cindy said. “That night, they made the brochure and discussed the need for a public donation site. Thanks to Ben’s mom, Jeanie, Pastor Paul Waiter and Grace Point Church agreed to serve as the public site.”
That weekend, Steven and Ben decided to take to the streets and approach Galion businesses to garner support for their project. After the first few visits, the boys told their moms “We got this” and they could stay in the car.
Grace Point Church interviewed the boys on stage during a recent Sunday service. During the interview, Steven and Ben were surrounded on stage by their “Castle of Water.”
“It felt good being on that stage because knowing all that water that was on the stage was going to the people of Flint and was going to bless them,” Ben said. “Our classmates and teachers have been helpful with donations too.”
The boys have collected over 150 cases and 30 gallon jugs of water, and are accepting donations through Friday, April 15. They and their families will be making the trip to Flint to deliver the water April 23 thanks to the donation of the use of a truck by Dearman Moving and Storage in Mansfield. Grace Point Church is also helping with delivery by providing funds for gas money.
“We are so proud of Ben and his determination, but even more than that, we are inspired by his desire to help meet the needs of others,” Ben’s mom Jeanie Rinehart said. “He has a very kind and compassionate heart and we look forward to watching him continue to make a difference in the lives of others!”
The water will be delivered to Crossing Water, which is working to provide safe drinking water for residents in Flint. The organization also works with families, and focuses on educating pregnant mothers and families with small children about the dangers of lead consumption.
“Watching Steven made me feel extremely proud and excited for his passion,” Cindy said. “I am continually impressed by his courage, confidence and leadership qualities.
“I think the best part is that this was not a project for school or church, just something they wanted to do and made it happen.”
Community members can take donations to the Galion Intermediate School or Grace Point Church, located at 683 Portland Way North in Galion.
“This is awesome,” Superintendent Grubbs said. “I’m proud of these boys for working diligently to help others, and our Galion community for their contributions to show Ben and Steven the power they have to make a positive change in people’s lives.”