I just wanted to say that this sermon today really touched close to home. I am a teacher in a Title I school in Villa Rica and I have personally seen and worked with children that come from very harsh conditions. What the church has done for this school in Douglas County is amazing. You should rest assured that the students and teachers will be very greatful. I was also very happy to hear about the winter jacket drive, as I have seen so many students come to school without proper shoes, socks, coats, etc. We often try to pull together as teachers to get our students the bare necessities. You should see the look on their faces when they are handed a jacket when its cold outside- priceless. I am also sure, the many of those teachers feel a sense of relief knowing their students will have supplies. Teachers often try and scramble and get together whatever they can, knowing that many students will not be able to bring things with them to school. It is hard sometimes, to not be able to do all that you want for all of your students; especially in the face of economic uncertainty.
I am not sure where Give Love Away is headed, but I passionately believe that by helping the schools and the youth you not only touch the children, but their families as well. It is such a great investment. We had a church support our school this past year in helping provide backbacks of heathly snacks and food that could be sent home with students whom we had identified as having severe need; meaning these children may not be eating on the weekends. You could see the relief on their faces those Fridays they received their backpacks. Towards the end of the school year, the pantry had run out of food, so the teachers and faculty pulled together to continue filling the bookbags. I believe it made a difference in those childrens’ lives.
I just wanted to say that I believe this contribution will change many lives. And hopefully we will be able to change one school at a time.