People do community service for different reasons. For instance, the backpack committee at work – some joined because they felt obligated, some because they felt pressured by others, some because they remembered their own childhood when they didn’t have much and could have used a little extra help, and still others because they just wanted to help someone in need. Whatever the reason, we all came together and worked toward a common goal - make the start of the school year a positive experience for as many Livingston County children as possible.
We had a lofty goal – 1,500 backpacks. Most people said with the current economy we would never make it. In spite of the slow start, some of us believed we could achieve our goal. Ten days before our distribution date, even those of us who believed we could do it were worried. We only had 600 backpacks… would we really reach our goal of 1,500? What if we didn’t have enough for the expected need? What if we had to turn families away? Our designated spokesperson contacted the local radio station and newspaper and suddenly the donations started pouring in – two or three from an individual, $200 from a small business, $1,000 from another organization, 75 filled backpacks from a church, and on and on. This was truly a community effort! On distribution day, we had 1,843 backpacks with supplies! Severe thunderstorms were predicted for the late afternoon – just in time for our 4-6 p.m. distribution time. Again, we were worried. If it stormed, we couldn’t leave people standing outside, it would be far too dangerous. Would we be able to fit them in our building? A quick shower passed over, but we were spared the thunderstorms. Once again, that unnecessary worrying.
Children and their parents moved through the line quickly. The little ones were so excited about picking out their own backpack for school. One little girl picked out a backpack, hugged it to her chest, then threw her arms around me and said, “Oh, thank you! I love my new backpack!”
The older children tried to hide their excitement, but now and then they let their guard down and revealed their enthusiasm as well. And then there were the teary eyed parents who were so very appreciative. Many times I heard parents say, “I’ve lost my job and my children wouldn’t have this if you weren’t here to help us out this year.”
Perhaps the most touching was the mother who called to ask where her boys could send a thank you note. She was so thankful to everyone who contributed so her son would no longer have to use duct tape to hold his backpack together.
People do community service for different reasons….
Signed - Happy Back Pack Stuffer
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