Thursday, February 4, 2010

Alphabe-Thursday: C is for Charity

Yippee, it's Thursday, time for one of my favorite events! Alphabe-Thursday is graciously hosted by Jenny Matlock every week. We were given the letters A & B to practice with for the first two weeks. Now it's time to crack those books and get serious! 2 down, only 24 to go. Make sure to stop by and visit Jenny and all this week's participants! I promise you won't be disappointed.

I've had this post floating around in my head for awhile. When I realized that this week's letter was C, it hit me. C is for Charity!


While cruising through blogland, I read Jenny Matlock's post on the homeless in our country. If you haven't read it, click here. It was such a heartfelt essay that it got me to thinking about what we see (or don't) around us every day. We are blessed to live in an area that is financially stable and comfortable, but the effects of the economy and homelessness are so prevalent that we are beginning to see and feel it's effects here as well. If you drive 30 minutes South into Austin, you will see large numbers of people sleeping rough and trying to get by from day to day, without benefit of shelter. The effects aren't quite so obvious in our little town, which makes it a bit easier to think that it isn't a problem here. But if you dig deeper, the numbers are disturbing.

Nearly 1 in three students at Georgetown High School are classified as economically disadvantaged.

There are more than 150 students at Georgetown High School identified as homeless.

45% of students in GISD qualify for free or reduced lunch.

The population of Georgetown was estimated to be 49,000 in January 2009. This is up from 28,000 (2000 census). The median household income was $59,593, compared to the national median of $60,374.
If we have this many homeless students or students identified as economically disadvantaged, what must the statistics be like in areas that have been devastated by the current economic crisis.


What can one person do to help stem this crisis? A group of student athletes at Georgetown High School decided to find out.

Eagle Locker is a student initiative started by student athletes at Georgetown High School to address the needs of homeless students in our school district. They collect donations of clothing, school supplies, personal hygiene items and money to stock the "locker". Students in need may come in and choose items that they need, totally free of charge. This movement started out slowly, but when the community saw the dedication and resolve of these kids, they got behind it in a big way.

The program received a huge boost from a former student, Mason Crosby. Mason was blessed with a phenomenal talent as a kicker. After graduating from Georgetown High School, he attended the University of Colorado and now plays for the Green Bay Packers. Mason has started a program called "Kicking for Kids", which accepts donations based on his season statistics. Donors make pledges based on his stats, and the money is donated to the Eagle Locker Program. Click here for more information on Kicking for Kids.

On a personal note, our clinic made a decision this year to forgo our annual Christmas party and donate the money to Eagle Locker. One of our Doctors graciously allowed us to use her home for a potluck dinner rather than having a big shindig at a pricey restaurant. A few days after delivering our check to the program director, I happened to be at our local Wal-Mart. And what did I spy in the checkout lane? A group of 5 or 6 football players with carts full of mittens, coats, hats, school supplies and personal care items. I'm telling you from experience, there is nothing more joyous than seeing a big, burly teenage boy scanning tiny pink mittens at Wal-mart! And grinning from ear to ear the entire time he was doing it!

To learn more about Eagle Locker, click here. This is a great project, and these kids have really put their heart and soul into making it a success. The next time you hear about rotten teenagers, send them to this link!




36 comments:

My name is Riet said...

What a COOL C post

Anonymous said...

This is the best post I've read this morning! There is nothing better than doing for others in need.

Kathysue said...

Kat you know I love your sense of humor but I also love your heart. This was a wonderful post. I agree it must have been something to see the football players at Walmart. We do tend to look away from the homeless or just look through them. Thank you for making us all more aware, Beautifully written. Hugs Kathysue

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Very well written, eye opening and inspirational. I like your "C"!

squawmama said...

Good Morning Kat.... Great post today and it is true that there are so many children in this country of ours that need help. I wish some of these stars would do benefits to help them too. Have a great day and thanks for being such a wonderful person!
(((HUGS)))
Donna

Betty said...

What a great group of kids! Very nice post.

GardenOfDaisies said...

Thank you for sharing what these kids are doing. Wow! I am so proud of them for stepping up and helping when they saw a need!

Viki said...

I LOVE this post. When they say kids only think of themselves, this is one instance of kids thinking of others. How great.

Sarah said...

We all need to keep this C ever present in our thoughts. Great post!

Jenny said...

I love this post. What a heartfelt C...and one I feel very passionate about. A+ What a fantastic cause. Thank you for allowing us to share in this joyous reminder that people do still care!

Lois said...

What a wonderful post Kathy! Thanks for sharing.

Deb said...

Kathy that is wonderful...that is so great what the kids are doing for their classmates...My great grandparents lived in Georgetown back in the 50's and 60's...I remember going to visit them in the late 60's and they still had a outhouse...

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

And...charity is love! Great post! Thanks for sharing! Pop on over and visit me when you have a chance.
And be sure to ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!
Happy Alphabet Day!
C is for Coralie

Unknown said...

What an excellent C post, thank you for sharing this great story with us!

easternsparkle said...

Lovely story Kathy, goes to show that kids do care!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Wonderful post kathy! It's so good to hear about groups such as Eagle Locker really making a difference in the community and reaching out to those in need!

Jacque said...

love CHARITY...lived all my life trying to give to others! Glad to see this "C" word!

Thanks for sharing!

laterg8r said...

that is a wonderful thing to be a part of :D

Shellbelle said...

Kids can be amazing when they see a need and step up to the challenge. You just know that what they're doing now for others will impact the rest of lives. Kudos to the kids at your local school and others across our nation who are proving what fine citizens they are!

Zach Bonner, a local here in Florida is only 12 and has done such amazing work for kids in need since he was 6. If you get a chance read his bio on littleredwagonfoundation.com.

Brenda said...

Wonderful post, thank you for sharing with all of us. You are right if things are not affecting us we do not always see what is going on around us. My husband and I have jobs that are stable and keep our bills paid. But our grown children are diffidently struggling this past year and it is very hard to watch. Here in Michigan we are loosing thousands of people of other states. It is hard to watch.

Brenda said...

I forgot to thank you for stopping by and yes I have picked out a small chicken that lays blue and green eggs. Hubs not too sure about that one. lol.

Jo said...

Great Post ... here in vancouver rather than feeding the hungry and homeless we are hosting the olympics ... dont get me started on that one ...

Bits-n-Pieces said...

what a neat C post! Thank you for sharing it!
and thank you for visiting my blog! I look forward to reading more of your's!

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

Wonderful post! This is what makes the world a beautiful place to live.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Kat, that is so neat. I tell you that I had a teary moment yesterday when I went by our local agency to help the elderly and saw lines of people there to get food and personal care items. And those are the ones who aren't receiving deliveries to their homes. There are hundreds more who can't get out to get their supplies!

Our board of directors has really stepped up to the plate in terms of getting both donations of prizes for our upcoming fundraiser and in making donations themselves. I'm so proud of everyone.

This community is really pulling together in ways that impress the pants off me, so I can imagine how neat it was to see those young people shopping! What a great project, and it allows those who need it the dignity to get things they need without having to steal or beg for them.

This is a great "C"! :-)

XO,

Sheila

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Thank you for sharing this really special story.

Jane said...

Hi Kat!
This is an incredible story. I am in awe of these young men...and all who support their project. I am going to pass this along to a friend who works in one of the local high schools. There is so much need here...every neighborhood has homes in foreclosure, short sales, etc. They are just walking away... people are in crisis. Our food banks are depleting as fast as the are filled. Maybe we can get more programs like this...getting the young people involved.

Thanks so much for sharing this story. Also, thanks for stopping by and leaving your sweet comments. I truly love "chatting" with you each week.

Jane (artfully graced)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Kathy, thank you for this inspiration. I loved the part about the football players with their carts of mittens,etc. This sounds like wonderful community response to a great program. laurie

xinex said...

I just love this post , Kat. It touches my heart and I am so glad these kids are making a difference...Christine

The Muse said...

i throughly coming over here!!!

Short and Sweet said...

Eagle Locker is a wonderful endeavor and your post was very heart-warming.

MrsJenB said...

What a fantastic and uplifting post! Thank you for giving me some hope today.

lissa said...

how generous and it's so nice to hear people doing good instead

thanks for your visit

Unknown said...

great C' post! If we all just did something, it would all add up to be huge.....Good for the Eagles!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

I love this story, Kat! It is so heartwarming to read about kids reaching out to other kids at a time when we hear those negative stories about cyber bullies and mean girls...so refreshing! But also so alarming to know that the need is so great! Happy weekend...hugs...Debbie

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

What a wonderful post. I used to be the coordinator for service learning in our school district and was constantly amazed at what a thoughtful group of young people could accomplish when they put their minds to it.