We woke up early, loaded up, and took off to the administration building to pick up the trailer. We were met by the assistant superintendent who took us on a whirlwind tour of five of the schools in the district who had the most students displaced by Harvey and the flooding. We visited Green Valley Elementary, Purple Sage Elementary, Cobb 6th Grade, Cimarron Elementary, with our last stop at Clover Leaf Elementary.
Lily and R.J. along with the five kids of our good friends were responsible for helping us unload and getting the students to the backpacks, school supplies, snacks, and toys. Once the students had these items they were sent to me where they were able to fill bags with pantry items, toiletries, toilet paper, and baby items. Not one student was greedy and tried to take a lot of things, in fact we had to encourage them to fill up their bags. Some would quietly ask for diapers so they could take them home for their baby brother or sister, and then we would have to figure out what size was needed...this took some work! Others would ask if we had shampoo for their mom or bars of soap for the shower.
The best part of my day was when a little girl came up and hugged me from out of nowhere. I didn't have time to cry all day, but this sweet hug definitely made me tear up.
Lily and R.J. along with the five kids of our good friends were responsible for helping us unload and getting the students to the backpacks, school supplies, snacks, and toys. Once the students had these items they were sent to me where they were able to fill bags with pantry items, toiletries, toilet paper, and baby items. Not one student was greedy and tried to take a lot of things, in fact we had to encourage them to fill up their bags. Some would quietly ask for diapers so they could take them home for their baby brother or sister, and then we would have to figure out what size was needed...this took some work! Others would ask if we had shampoo for their mom or bars of soap for the shower.
The best part of my day was when a little girl came up and hugged me from out of nowhere. I didn't have time to cry all day, but this sweet hug definitely made me tear up.
The teachers who came out with the students were able to help us fill their bags with items that they knew the family would need and our kids were able to help the students fill their bags with some fun items. Stuffed animals were quick to go, and most of the kids who took them were planning on giving them to a younger sibling. Matchbox cars and Barbie Dolls were also a hit, but so many of the kids were hesitant to take them. When we got to our last school, Clover Leaf, our kids were pretty worn out so when it was time to go their was a collective sigh of relief. We headed back to the administration building to unload the rest of the donations and were met with a crew who helped us get the trailer unloaded within 45 minutes. We had so many donations left even after handing out a large portion and were told they came just in time because the last batch of donations was already gone.
To everyone who helped us make this trip happen, thank you. These children were so appreciative of the items they were able to get from the trailer and we were told many times throughout the day by their teachers how these kids lit up when they realized what was happening.
To everyone who helped us make this trip happen, thank you. These children were so appreciative of the items they were able to get from the trailer and we were told many times throughout the day by their teachers how these kids lit up when they realized what was happening.
We had a hungry and tired crew of helpers so after a late lunch we made our way back home; a few of our workers even snuck in a car ride nap.