Written by: Karen Reisenauer - Heart River Elementary Paraprofessional
Heart River Elementary holds a monthly Attitude Committee composed of a different group of staff members. We create a bulletin board, plan activities and brainstorm fun meals and snacks to inspire and uplift our colleagues.
This month, we decided to hold a Sock Drive. The idea came about after I witnessed several barefoot kids when they changed from boots to shoes, and I kept thinking how their feet must be cold. As a school, we are especially aware of financial struggles some families may be facing due to the pandemic and are always looking for ways to help.
A lot of planning and hard work went into making the sock drive a success. Many hours were spent creating signs for the donation totes and school doors, as well as writing letters to staff encouraging them to spare a pair! The sock drive began on January 5th, and we were ecstatic at the immediate response, having both totes full by day three!
Joyce Dobitz pointed out the mutual feeling of giving and receiving. Kids who received socks feel grateful, while those who donate socks feel joy at helping our community. Melanie Hanel, Title I teacher shared, "Our staff makes it a point to be keenly aware of the needs of our students, whether it's academic or behavioral or their basic needs that many of us take for granted. Karen and Joyce saw the need for some students to have socks, and we were more than happy to help."
The act of giving has spread throughout our building. Secretary Jeanette Wyckoff is tickled pink whenever she sees and hears the kids' excitement when they bring in socks.
By the end of January, staff, students, and parents donated 497 pairs of socks. It's been amazing watching the ripple effect that began with one small act! Or, as Patti Sheesley puts it, "One person can make a difference that lasts a lifetime."