Wilson Students Use Imagination To Help Rebuild Local Museum

Almost two years ago, there was a massive fire at

Imagination Station

, the city's science museum.

The fifth-graders want to help the museum reopen at its original location, and they are taking on the job one coin at a time.

"My daddy told me it was $500,000 short, and I just sort of came up with a penny drive since I couldn't provide $500,000," Charlotte Rastas said.

"I really want them to give a donation so that we can rebuild it, or so they can rebuild," Kadie Barnes said.

The girls hope that small change can do a big job, since the repairs to Imagination Station are almost finished, but the donations are drying up.

"We've gone to a lot of sources for funds, and we're continuing to go," said Jerry Reynolds of Imagination Station. "This sort of thing gives us a new spirit."

This week, Charlotte and Kadie began putting out jars in schools and stores all over the eastern part of the state so that other people can help in the cause.

"The museum is here for the children, and it's great to see that the children are there for the museum, too," Reynolds said.

Each jar has a poem on its front, a personal plea for support. The jars read, in part: "It's a wonderful place and sometimes strange, so don't be hesitant to bring out your change."

The jars were out through Feb. 12 when they were collected, and the donations given to the museum.

Imagination Station is open in a temporary location at 202 West Nash Street, but the space is less than half the size of the original location on East Nash Street.