Published: April 03, 2011

Sacramento Kumon Kids Donate Diapers & Funds to Children in Japan

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Kumon students in Sacramento raised $2,000 and collected hundreds of bags of diapers for children living in evacuation centers in Japan. Monday, April 4 is the last day to donate before their Kumon Instructor, Hikaru Matsunaga travels to Japan on Tuesday to deliver the diapers to the Tokyo Metropolitan. The funds will pay for education toys, books and games that Kumon Instructors in Japan will distribute to thousands of children living in the evacuation centers as a result of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Kumon Students of Laguna/Elk Grove with their Kumon Instructor, Mrs. Matsunaga raised $2,000 and hundreds of diapers for children living in evacuation centers in Japan. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 7803 Laguna Blvd. Suite 210â€¨ Elk Grove, CA 95758â€¨ (916) 691-4070â€¨â€¨ (Photo: Business Wire)

The community is welcome to contribute donations or diapers (infant size) on Monday, April 4:

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Laguna/Elk Grove
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
7803 Laguna Blvd. Suite 210
Elk Grove, CA 95758
(916) 691-4070

"I am so proud of my students for their generosity collecting diapers and for helping their peers in Japan," said Kumon Instructor, Mrs. Matsunaga, who organized the donation. "The strenuous living conditions in the evacuation centers can take a great toll on children, and our students decided that by giving games, educational toys and books would offer a little relief to these children."

More than 600 Kumon Centers in Japan are in areas impacted by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The Kumon community is very close and everyone is helping out in every way possible. Mrs. Matsunaga leads a worldwide Kumon study group, and immediately after the quake hit, Instructors mobilized from around the world to help their fellow Instructors in Japan. She emails and speaks to many Japanese Kumon Instructors daily about the hardship and the efforts being coordinated to help with relief.

United Airlines has agreed to fly four boxes of diapers, and Mrs. Matsunaga will pay for the rest of the diapers to be flown to Japan. Diapers are scarce, and a vital supply for infant baby diapers is needed in the evacuation centers.

At Mrs. Matsunaga's Kumon Center the focus is not only on academics but helping students to grow into contributing members of their community. Each year, she hosts a fundraiser to support organizations that provide resources and education to children living in poverty around the world. She strongly believes in teaching her students the value of giving back and contributing to society. After a similar fundraising project for underprivileged kids in the Philippines, one of her students decided to begin doing community outreach and is now actively volunteering with senior citizens. By studying in Kumon and advancing beyond their grade levels, Mrs. Matsunaga believes students are able to have more time to think and help others.

Through her personal connection with Japan and role in Kumon, Mrs. Matsunaga travels to Japan at least eight times a year. She was born and raised in Japan and came to the United States in the late 70s. Traveling around the world with Kumon has also helped her see that children all have the same basic needs as well as potential, whether it be in the U.S. or Japan. Through giving back, she believes children become well rounded, and their awareness for mankind grows, their awareness of both local and global issues increase, and they are motivated to act.

Mrs. Matsunaga has lived in Sacramento for 32 years, along with her husband, Mr. Matsunaga. For the past 26 years, together, they've helped thousands of local students experience the love of learning independently at advanced levels at their Kumon Centers. Her center has one of the highest rates of students studying above their school grade level in the country. Mrs. Matsunaga earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Retail Development, California State University, Sacramento, and believes seeing her students succeed is her greatest reward.

About Kumon Math and Reading Centers

Kumon is an after-school enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children so they can achieve more on their own. Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Kumon has 1,300 centers in the United States. There are 26,000 centers in 46 countries and more than 4 million students studying Kumon worldwide. The company's North American headquarters is in Teaneck, New Jersey. Visit www.kumon.com to learn more.

To read more of the many inspiring success stories, visit us at Facebook.com/kumon.

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