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            ABN AMRO North America bank donated $25,000 to Harlem Academy in lieu of hosting an employee holiday party.         
           "Helping those in need is in line with our corporate values, business principles and history of supporting the communities in which we live and work," according to John K. Nelson, chief executive officer of Business Unit North America.
            The gift to Harlem Academy, an independent school with a rigorous academic program for children of all economic backgrounds, mirrored one of its teachings to its elementary students: the age-old maxim, "It is better to give than to receive."
             Beginning shortly after Thanksgiving, the school held weekly meetings with the first through fourth graders on the importance of giving.   With guidance from the faculty, the children talked about gifts you can give without spending money, such as "a gift of a compliment, of play, of helping, of a written note."
              When asked, "Why would I give a gift to someone I have never met?", the children answered,  "Because there are people less fortunate than we are who may need our help; because it feels good to know that we are helping; because some day we may need help."
              The 54 students at HA planned the Harlem Academy Giving Tree, which the first grade decorated and cared for.  The second grade organized a toy drive to benefit families living with HIV/AIDS.  They collected toys for 16 children, aged four to 12, giving each child three gifts each.  The third grade organized a coat drive, donating 40 coats to children and adults in New York City.  And the fourth grade held a change drive, raising about $150 in support of a breakfast program for school children in Ghana, West Africa.  
               Most important, the teachers incorporate the lessons on giving throughout the year. For more information on Harlem Academy, call the school at (212)348-2600. 

The November 13th issue of New York Magazine features Harlem Academy. Go to http://nymag.com/news/features/23783/index to read the article, "Building the Next Dalton."