Seven Houston Siblings
Prepare For School
Why would more
than 300 school-age boys and girls living in poverty have smiles on their
precious faces? Because they recently participated in Back-To-School 2003!
Depending on their need, many have new clothes that fit while others have
new backpacks and supplies. Then there are those that were in desperate
need of everything! Meet seven of them that you have helped prepare for
school.
Matthew, 5, lives with his 26-year-old
mother and seven brothers and sisters in Houston, Texas. He was excited
that it was his turn to start school. However his mother worried about how
she would be able to pay for the items on the long list of school supplies.
Ms. Lakisse is attending classes with a goal to be a better provider for
her family, but there’s no way she could afford to buy even the basic
requirements right now.
Ms. Lakisse only felt relief when someone at OBI outreach center and
partner Somebody Cares Houston read and accepted her application for help.
With seven of eight children in tow, the family participated in a Back-To-School
shopping day. A shopping cart quickly filled up with notebooks, backpacks,
clothes and everything else they needed for school. Little Matthew even
got excited about shopping when he found a shelf loaded down with jeans
just his size! Now he was able to go to school looking like all of the
other kids and not be embarrassed by wearing clothes that were tight or
worn.
Throughout the later part of this summer, Back-To-School coordinator
Kathy Higdon led dozens of dedicated volunteers in receiving and making
hundreds of calls to needy families like Matthew’s, as well as partnering
businesses and churches. They also counted, organized and distributed
school supplies. “I like being a part of those who are gracious
to the poor,” commented summer volunteer Janet Lantrip. “I
liked seeing the smile on Ms. Lakisse’s face and hearing her remark,
‘I feel great!’ as we departed from Wal-Mart. I like that
God views my graciousness to the poor as a blessing to Himself! I feel
great too!”
Countless children like Matthew and his brothers and sisters are waiting
for their chance to have new school supplies and clothes that fit. Your
gift of $25 can prepare a boy or girl for school.
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