Yesterday (Sat. 07/26/08) I participated in the make over project with the schools. I worked at Fairmount Elementary along with a LOT of other people. I was amazed at how organized everything was. Within 15 minutes (or less) of my arrival, I was checked in and armed with paint & brush and assigned an area.
There were several "crews" - painting, cleaning, landscaping, etc. Nobody dallied around, everyone worked hard as a team. I think that was one of the most amazing things of the whole experience. Strangers worked together in such harmony.
The organizers covered as many bases as was humanly possible; supplies, equipment, water (it was HOT), there was an ambulance & firetruck on stand by - thankfully wasn't needed.
The amount of work that was done was just short of miraculous. It was a very positive experience even if my muscles are screaming this morning!
I worked at Nowlin both
I worked at Nowlin both Saturday & Sunday, along with my husband and son. Sunday I had the honor of meeting a lady from Kansas that has no ties from this area. I have heard of people coming in from other areas, but did not personally get to visit with them. Talking with her, I was brought to tears, as was she. A friend of hers and herself had seen this on the news and felt the draw to help. I thanked her from a Mom of 2 children that all of this is for. This is and was something I have never felt before, the pride, hope and dreams people from all over came together to give the children.
I would so love to see the children's faces when they enter their school for the first time. I did get a glimmer of this from my son. As I said we worked at Nowin, he is a student from Van Horn. Saturday evening we drove by Van Horn, the changes he seen, I cannot put into words his reaction. This was just seeing the outside of it. What I witnessed from him, makes every aching muscle worthwhile!
From this Mom, THANK YOU to everyone involved with this!!!!!!
dog
Volunteers are always appreciated. It sounds like you all were well organized and did a great job. I don't live in Independence but I respect your civic-mindedness. http://www.kmbc.com/news/17000251/detail.html?rss=kc1&psp=news