A Lot of Gratitude

Back in July, I had a talk with my boys about the idea of service, why Kev is deployed and how we can help those around us just like Daddy is helping people on the other side of the world. We decided to do a monthly service project helping other children who were not as fortunate as we are and our first project was with Toomer Elementary School in Atlanta, GA. 

I reached out to you all to help us Pack-A-Pack for my friend Kelsey's students, many of whom would show up on the first day with nothing. Our goal of 22 backpacks was almost tripled, on top of gift cards for additional supplies and even an extremely generous monetary donation for the Principal to use to purchase some new technology for the school. 

I wish I could track every single one of you down and give you a big ol hug, but since these back packs and supplies came from all over the country, and even the world, that would be impossible. 

But please know this: 

THANK YOU. 

You not only gave a group of students and teachers an extra vote of confidence, but you spread love and goodness, and proved that this community we are all part of is full of kindness. 

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. 

But I really think the pictures and videos of the Toomer Elementary School students say it best:

After delivering some backpacks straight to kids' homes, Kelsey set up the remainders as a store in her classroom and let the students come in and 'shop' for their supplies.

 Another great moment was when a few teachers asked Kelsey if it was okay if they shopped too. She said it had just never occurred to her that on their meager salaries how difficult it is to make ends meet for their own kids and grandkids who they are raising. She said their gratefulness was equal, if not more than some of the students'. 

 Kelsey's students holding notes and letters from you all. 

Notes and letters for you all from Kelsey's students. 

When these came to us in the mail, Cullen asked why they wrote us letters and I told him because they were thankful for our help. Cullen thought about it for a minute and then said "So now they are praying for Daddy and want to be my friend?" I said yes, and he responded "That is SO nice of those kids."

A big circle of goodness- it makes my heart so happy. 

A few thank you's from the students:

If you would like to see more, you can check out #packapack on facebook and on instagram. 

Thank you again to everyone who joined us- you have made a big difference for some little people.

(PS- I just had someone ask me yesterday if it was still okay to send theirs down because they forgot in the craziness of summer- the answer is a big YES, feel free to keep on sending!)