Amanda Jeanine O'Donnell Scholarship Fund

Contributions so far in Amanda's memory: annual tuition for thirty-five Sudanese girls

Amanda Jeanine O'Donnell, a New Community Project supporter, began her commitment to social justice issues early in life. At age 5, she traveled monthly to center city Philadelphia to feed the homeless among with others from her church. From then on, Amanda sought a life based on similar values, setting up a Cultural Awareness Club in her high school and acting as co-president of her chapter of Habitat for Humanity while attending Bridgewater College. Most recently, she traveled back to Greece, where she had studied abroad her junior year, to teach English in a country where she had so grown to love the land, the people and the culture. While there, Amanda tragically died in a vehicle accident while riding a bike to her work the morning of July 14, 2007.

As Frank Deford wrote in his book Alex: The Life of a Child, the saddest thing seems to be that "Old people die with achievements, memories. Children die with opportunities, dreams." One of Amanda's dreams was that of a more just world. So, while you may not think you knew Amanda, the truth is that every time you mourn the injustices in this world today, you mourn Amanda's death. And, every time that you work for peace, social justice and the fulfillment of basic human needs, you celebrate Amanda's life. Though it can in no way make up for the loss of Amanda, we have the opportunity to fulfill some of her dreams- to give food to those who are hungry, to build houses for those who lack shelter, and provide education for those who have no school.

So, I encourage you to honor and celebrate Amanda's life by providing a very special gift for young girls in Sudan, the gift of an education.   Few Sudanese girls complete school, consigning them to early marriages, few employment options, and lives of hardship. Give these girls a chance, the chance Amanda dreamed of giving them.  (Katie O'Donnell, Amanda's cousin)

$5 keeps a girl in school for a month
$20 provides school supplies
$35 buys a uniform and shoes
$60 covers annual tuition costs for a girl's education

Donate in Amanda's memory by sending contributions to: New Community Project, 718 Wilder Street, Elgin, IL 60123 or by donating on-line (below). Please note "Amanda O'Donnell Fund."

100 percent of all contributions go directly to girls' education in Sudan.