Last spring I volunteered to be in charge of the fall fundraiser-there were many times I either wanted to quit or have my head examined for taking the job! These really came more in the beginning when I was dealing with an outside agency that was there to help, but was stressing me out! Once we branched out on our own, it was much better!
We decided to do a serve-a-thon where we had the students send out letters asking for friends and family to support them for serving in their community. I had a great time setting up service projects for each class in the school and every one has reported that they had a great time serving and the recipients were blessed! That was my mission-to find projects that truly helped others! we were able to go to 2 nursing homes, take lunch to a school for underprivileged children, clean up a local park, help at the Ronald McDonald House, work at the Bread of Life food bank, help sort clothes at Lowcountry Orphan Relief, and make salvation bracelets for Water Missions International.
I had the privilege to go with Nathan's class to their project at a local nursing home. Their teacher did not want them to just sing songs and perform, but for the students to interact and talk with the residents. We did have two students and their teacher play the piano, but it was more for background entertainment while the students passed out pumpkins and talked with the residents. It was hard for the children to know what to say, and some were more shy than others, but as the hour progressed, it was a transformation for many of the kids! There was one boy who was very timid and hiding behind others, but then he got the idea to get the autographs of the residents. After that, he was talking to all of them; not in long conversations, but at least reaching out and not hanging back. I saw another boy have a pretty long conversation with an older gentleman about baseball after asking him if he used to play any sports! It was really neat to see! I saw lots of hugs and some discouragement when they encountered grumpy people, but mostly just smiles! I got to have a lengthy conversation with one lady about how she used to outdrink anyone with her drink of choice-straight vodka! Very interesting! And today I received a phone call from the activities director at the nursing home who said the residents could not stop talking about how wonderful the children were and how much they enjoyed their visit and to please come again! The kids also want to go back! It was a great match!
So today, we all came together as a school and went out to a beautiful property named Peaceful Way! We had lunch, played games, climbed the climbing wall, and generally had a great time! We even had great weather when the morning was a little drizzly. God inspired the idea to serve and blessed us throughout the whole journey! To date, we raised $14,600 and only around $900 will have gone out to cover expenses! Triple yeah!!!
I can truly say that I am glad that I stuck with the fundraiser when I wanted to quit! I can also say that I am glad it is over! But I hope that we can do a service day again in the future! It was awesome!
Titus 3:14
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Wow Amy!! That's an amazing fundraiser amount for a smaller school. Congrats! I have a feeling you might be asked to lead the fundraising efforts next year :)
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