Thursday, January 14, 2010 — It was hard to avoid the sound of drums coming from Peabody Park. Whatever it was, it got our attention and drew us in, even though the weather was frosty. To our surprise, there were about 30 citizens sitting in a circle and pounding away on different drums. One citizen broke away from his zebra-print drum to talk to The Gazette.

When asked what was going on, this citizen smiled and said, "We've been greatly inspired by the Betty Crocker® Fruit Flavored Snacks' WinOneGiveOne website. This website helps children in Africa get laptops with built-in wireless internet! Now kids who need it most will have a tool that's full of content and software that will empower them and engage them in their own education. This is how it works: Enter codes on WinOneGiveOne.com from specially marked boxes of Betty Crocker® Fruit Flavored Snacks like Gushers, Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Roll-Ups, and more, for a chance to win yourself a laptop. If you win a laptop, a child in Africa will get one too! You can also watch videos, go on a safari, and join a drum circle!"


We were intrigued and wanted to know more about this drum circle. The friendly Millsberrian continued, "There's a virtual drum circle featured on the site where you can customize your own drummer and join the music. The more kids who join, the more laptops Betty Crocker® Fruit Flavored Snacks will give to children in Africa! You can join the circle every day to help make a difference, even if you don't have a code. And raising awareness right here in the park enforces the message of how working together can truly help make a difference."

At that, our curious crew was pulled into the circle without drums. But that was OK. We shared drums with others and soon citizens were up and dancing.

Later on, we couldn't wait to visit WinOneGiveOne.com. What a difference One Laptop per Child and Betty Crocker® Fruit Flavored Snacks are helping to make! Not only can you help other children get laptops—but you can also watch videos of one of the many groups of children in Africa at their school—singing and teaching you their language. But you don't have to leave Millsberry to step into their world. You can watch the videos right here in the Theater. So grab some fruit flavored snacks and head on over.

And if you're looking for a little adventure that consists of cheetahs and warthogs...you'll need to check out WinOneGiveOne.com once again for a Virtual Safari. Here you can travel along in a safari jeep through the savanna and take photos of penguins, giraffes, and more—plus learn all about them. It's a beautiful experience and a beautiful cause. That's why the Post Office has new cards you can send to your Millsberry friends, telling them about the Win One, Give One Sweepstakes.

Every little bit counts, so be sure to visit often!