One of my close friends is a teacher at Mark Twain Middle School in Alexandria. She mentioned that one of her “at risk” students who she cherished and had great potential had been jumped walking home from school. They took his backpack, stole his sneakers, and winter coat. He had been coming to school in flip-flops and without school supplies.
My heart instantly sunk. I gave her a $25 Walmart gift card to give to him. I also went to Target and filled up a backup with supplies and got him a coat and new sneakers. At that moment, I felt so grateful for the blessings in my life. I didn’t have to worry about my physical safety or not having basic supplies. I may complain about having to fix something in my house or how much the toll road is but I have everything one could need. Makes you think about the real struggle in our communities.
She mentioned that around 40% of her students qualify for lunch assistance and many kids go without basic school supplies because their families cannot supply them. In the past, I’ve used my RAK money for school supplies and it was really a game changer. Due to the success of identifying a school in need, we’ve been able to help with the school system’s lunch program.
-Sarah Feugill
