The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is asking Maryland schools and school systems to reach out to the victims of Haiti following the devastating earthquake that leveled Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, through a voluntary statewide fundraising campaign. The Maryland Kids Care Campaign: Operation Haiti is asking Maryland’s 1,600 schools to collect pennies (and More) for the earthquake victims.

Five years ago Maryland schools raised more than $1.3 million through the Maryland Kids Care: Collecting Pennies (and More) for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina. Students from urban areas, suburban, and rural districts emptied their piggy banks and organized various fundraising activities resulting in the largest charitable fundraising campaign in Maryland public schools history. Maryland Public Schools, number one in the nation again this year, also has a record of being number one in service and outreach to others.

“As we witnessed through the Hurricane Katrina campaign, Maryland children are extremely caring and compassionate and always willing to help others,” said Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. “The people of Haiti have experienced a tragic natural disaster and this new campaign will provide an opportunity for all Maryland school children to give what they can to help the hundreds of thousands affected by the earthquake.”

In addition, this campaign will provide thousands of Maryland citizens who have family and friends living in Haiti an opportunity to get involved and also make contributions for the victims.

The funds for the Maryland Kids Care Campaign: Operation Haiti, which runs through Friday, February 12, 2010, will go towards the American Red Cross’s 2010 Haiti Relief and Development Fund.