Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 30, 1990 TAG: 9003300210
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MELISSA JORDAN ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: MINNEAPOLIS LENGTH: Medium
The suburban Plymouth boy laid the groundwork for the club before he died in November.
"He was worried about the air we breathe and the water we drink," said Tessa Hill, Clinton's mother. "He knew that kids can make a difference."
Hill enlisted Target Stores in her son's crusade after noticing a flier that described the company's environmental-protection efforts. She asked Target executive George Hite to speak to Clinton's class, and Hite was so moved that he lobbied for the company to take on the project.
"It reminded me of how powerful kids can be," said Hite, vice president of public and consumer affairs. "They have a sense of honesty, simplicity and a very strong commitment."
Target, a discount chain with 407 stores in 32 states, plans to insert brochures explaining Clinton's idea in 35 million Sunday newspaper advertising supplements on Earth Day, April 22. It also will provide kits for schools telling children how to start chapters of the club.
The company will broadcast 30-second commercials nationally during Earth Week promoting the club and will give away posters and educational materials listing ways for children to help protect the environment.
During Earth Week, banners featuring the club's pledge will be displayed at Target stores for children and adults to sign. The banners then will be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly.
The pledge reads: "The Earth is my home. I promise to keep it healthy and beautiful. I will love the land, the air, the water and all living creatures. I will be a defender of my planet. United with friends, I will save the Earth."
"We think it's going to make a difference," said 11-year-old Katrina Lusty, one of Clinton's classmates from Sunny Hollow Elementary School in New Hope.
Classmate Tim Svensson, 11, said the members of Kids for Saving Earth are taking steps in their own homes and communities to protect the environment, such as urging their families to recycle.
"I love McDonald's, but they use a lot of Styrofoam," he said, using a brand name popularly used for the polystyrene that keeps hamburgers warm. "When we go to McDonald's, we say, `No Styrofoam, please.' "
Hite said Target's support for the project will continue as long as there is interest in the club.
by CNB