Dear friends. Whew! What a day at the Coop. As many of you know, the Coop has been very busy lately. Many have come for assistance. And there is no sign of any slow down. In January, there were 503 client visits. An increase of 25% over previous months. Over 31,000 pantry items were distributed. In contrast, around 16,000 pantry items were donated. We started this year in the after glow of increased giving at Christmas. Praise God! For we have needed it! Not one has been turned away due to lack of resources! As January came to a close however, the pantry shelves were looking very bare. Our response to this opportunity......PRAYER. We have chosen to trust God as He provides Manna for the Day.
Well let me tell you His response. He called up a miniature army. We have been blessed. Partee Elementary conducted a food drive that was delivered this week. And at Pharr Elementary school, nothing short of a miracle has occurred. The kindergarten and first grade classes of Ms. Karambelas and Ms. Powell are on a crusade to collect 2,009 cans of food in one week. It all started last Friday when students in these two classes conducted an impromptu food drive after hearing of the bare shelves at the coop. This spawned an idea...to challenge the entire school to reach the goal of 2,009 cans in one week. Oh don't under estimate the power of a fired up kindergartner. Or the enthusiasm of a determined first grader. Their story made the front page of the Gwinnett Daily News yesterday. The community was invited to join in. Kids were raiding their parents pantries, donating their ice cream money, and spreading the word all over town. The school is a buzz with the 2,009 challenge! As food has been collected, it has been delivered throughout the week. The kids at these two schools have literally kept their very neighbors from going hungry this week. GO KIDS!!
Kids are awesome, because kids are simple. You tell a kid that you are sad, he gives you a hug. You tell a kid that you are cold, he shares his coat. You tell a kid that you are hungry, he shares his lunch. Take note friends. This is pleasing to God. After all..God loves a cheerful giver.
God Bless.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Awesome day today! The community is living as we were designed, to live and serve as a body!
ReplyDeletePharr's kids are awesome, the 2009 challenge was cool idea!
Huge thanks to Partee Elem. who also stepped up big this week with a great food drive!
I love the 2009 Challenge! What an original idea for a group of kindergartner/1st graders! These kids are learning early the rewards of helping others less fortunate than themselves....a lesson they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteAND THEY NOT ONLY MET THE CHALLENGE....THEY EXCEEDED IT!
Way to do it Pharr Kids!