Celebration of Life School - a primary school and feeding center
Upon returning from my annual pilgrimage to Jamaica several years ago, I received an e-mail from some fellow pilgrims I had traveled with. They told those of us who had shared this trip the story of their nephew, a 9 year old hero who was battling cancer. I began to send Thomas supportive e-mails, stories about my trips to Jamaica, and just e-mails to make him laugh. I communicate with him through his Care Page at the childrens cancer hospital in Texas. Why do I call Thomas a hero, well it is his smile and determination to live life and enjoy his childhood and time with his family, despite the obstacles of this awful disease that has given him limitations. On days when I feel down I think of Thomas and the poor of Jamaica. He never seems to give up and he is a child. He is truly an inspiration to me and we have never met. One day on his Care Page his mother posted that it was his last day of chemo. On that day I sent him an e-mail stating this was a moment to celebrate. I shared with him I wanted to build a school in Jamaica for kids his age who had never had the opportunity to go to school. The school would be in his honor and would be named the Celebration Of Life School to mark this huge moment in his life's battle with this disease
Who should get involved in this project and why-EVERYONE!
My projects are always about ordinary people making a difference. You see I am, a single mother, an unemployed social worker, a student currently living off my financial aid. I used to be a waitress, working 3 jobs. I have a giant heart and a lot of passion. The poor of Jamaica have become my extended family over the last 6 years. I have seen how badly the children want to learn and see the teachers who are there and need a building in which they can use their passion for teaching to change lives. It is all about hope. Education is a key to the future for these children. This school will be built in a community full of tin shacks. With one school we can give the gift of knowledge to many for generations. Hurricanes can come and blow away their homes or take their personal belongings, but no one can ever take away the gift of knowledge.
I would like to see kids giving to kids and involve kids in this project.
Thomas is a Cub Scout, so I am calling all Scouts. Add an extra $1 to your Scout dues and send the extra $$ to this project, or have a car wash.
Students of all ages, think what your life would be like if you had never had the opportunity to go to school.Bake sales are great! Get mom and grandma involved!
Church youth groups-what about a rent a youth project to help with this school Families, consider making it a family project. Instead of going through the driveway at a local fast food restaurant, go to the library and check out some movies, pop some popcorn ( about 25 cents a bag) and have a cheap family night. Be sure you give each other lots of hugs and say I love you a lot and donate the money you would have spent to this project.
Cancer survivors-celebrate this major step with Thomas and his family.
As to my fundraisers for this project:
About 4 months ago, I put out an e-mail to everyone on my e-mail list asking them to put back $1 a week for 4 months and at the end of the time to send a check to FFP for the $16. Many people got involved and one lady sent out a $2 challenge to everyone on her e-mail list. On last report, nearly $3000 was raised with this idea.
Get the idea...Everyone needs to experience being a part of something bigger and to help make a difference and touch the life of another. I am just an ordinary person trying to make a difference. I believe if we could all find something to get passionate about, we could change the world.
Donations are tax deductible and can be made on the website or checks can be mailed directly to Food for the Poor. Be sure to include the SC# 57074 on any checks to insure the funds go to this school project.
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