[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E134-E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        COMMENDING JAMES CASALE

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                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend James Casale, age 
7, who has already proven himself to be an outstanding member of our 
society, James attends second grade at Gladstone Street School in 
Cranston, Rhode Island. When told that his school was having a canned 
food drive for the poor, James raided his family's pantry for items to 
contribute. After a few days, his parents told him the best way to 
contribute was to use his own money to buy food.
  James used $100 saved from allowances and tooth fairy money to buy 17 
cases of food. On November 20th his father dropped James and his four 
hundred cans off at the schoolyard. Those four hundred cans inspired 
other students in his school to donate even more than they already had. 
In previous years, the Thanksgiving food drive had accumulated only a 
few hundred cans. Last year's food drive set a record at 1,600 cans. 
However, because of

[[Page E135]]

the example set by James Casale, this year's canned food drive more 
than doubled that amount, raising 3,445 cans.
  James had seen people in the newspaper and on television who needed 
help, so he simply did what he could to help them. When asked why he 
made such a generous donation, James said that he did for poor people. 
Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone who saw a need did what they could 
and stepped in to fill the void? Too many of us say ``I don't have the 
time,'' or ``I can't afford it'', yet James gave freely of both his 
time and money.
  I had the opportunity to meet with James on November 21 and present 
him with a Public Service Certificate in recognition of his outstanding 
and invaluable service to the community. I was impressed by both the 
compassion and drive of this young man.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in commending seven 
year old James Casale for setting an example for his classmates and his 
community.

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