September 29, 2017

Five on Friday Week 8-The Gift of Giving

It’s time for Five on Friday where I post a list of the top five things that spread some joy this week. If you would like to spread some joy and help people directly affected by Hurricane Irma, please email me! 

I know I usually talk about food and products that I really have enjoyed over the week, but lately I just can’t get away from Hurricane Irma and her aftermath. I want to help! I want to make others safe and comfortable again. Here is a copy of what has been shared on Facebook around Lee County and with parents at the school where I teach. Please feel free to copy and share it as well. I know there are so many in need right now all around the world, but one small donation can really help! 

HELP NEEDED!!!

Hello Friends. We have quite a few families at my school who have lost everything as a result of Hurricane Irma. Lots of our students are now living in hotels or with family or friends because their own homes are uninhabitable. Several of our parents now have no income because of the devastation Irma caused our area.

We are collecting items at school to give to these families with the hopes of alleviating some of the burden and challenges these families are facing. Specifically we are asking for donations of clothing & shoes (all sizes from infant to adult), bedding, household items, diapers, and children’s toys. Think of everyday items that are needed to take care of you & your family… these are the things that are desperately needed!!

We are also collecting pet food, pet toys, litter and puppy pads for Lee County Shelters affected by Irma.

In addition, we are doing a non-perishable food drive for the Salvation Army in Lee County.

You may also send gift cards and needed items will be purchased for those in need.

Anything at all that you can do to help is greatly appreciated !!!!

PS… any items that are not used by our Gateway families will be sent to help with the hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

Here is what is spreading joy this week! 

1. Back to work-I have truly missed the kids in my class. I am so happy to be back to work and teaching. Even my kiddos who were affected by the hurricane and lost everything are back more ready and willing to learn than ever! We have a lot of stuff to fit in, but we will somehow get it done.
2. Make-up days-I am grateful that the school board of Lee County approved days for making up the time we were off from the hurricane easy to manage. We thankfully will still have a holiday break, and a spring break.
3. The gift of giving- I am truly excited that I get to teach the kids in my class what if feels like to help others and to give not only of gifts, but of time and energy. Yes, I had students in my class whose families lost it all, but even those kids are willing to help others. Yesterday was the first day of our clothing, personal items, household goods, pet food, litter, pet toys, puppy pads, and non-perishable food drive. My students eagerly helped to unload cars of donations. They helped carry boxes. They help organize the items. They just want to make the world a better place. I am very proud of them and I can not wait to see what happens over the course of the next week.
4. and 5.The snowball effect-I am so thrilled beyond belief of the outpouring of support I have already received for this donation drive.  What started out as a non-perishable food drive has turned into a drive to help 4 different charities simultaneously, all of them local and with all of the unused items being sent to help others in Puerto Rico.  Word is spreading about this drive thanks to my wonderful family, friends, and co-workers who have posted and shared this information on Facebook, told their churches, friends and families.If you are a teacher in another state and would like to involve your students in  It is wonderful to have everyone coming together for a common goal.

 

The hurricane was awful, but at least it is bringing people together and bringing out the best in each of us. If you would like to help the Lee County Animal Shelters,Lee County Salvation Army, or The families of children in Lee County Schools please email me and I will get you the information. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

What has made you smile this week? I would love to hear your top five too. Please leave me a comment with your top 5 below. Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter! 

Happy Friday!