I present to you a photo of the supply closet in my classroom.
As is typical of most teachers, I have different colored file folders, hanging folders, paper, educational games, and cleaning supplies.
Take a closer look though…
Nestled among the “office” supplies is a small stash of food.
It’s fairly common to hear students say they’re hungry. Especially right before lunch when their tummies have been conditioned to growl…loudly.
What is more common but not often mentioned aloud is the fact that many students are not eating meals on a regular basis.
I recently became aware of a particular situation that needed to be remedied, in some small way.
I contacted a local charity and was provided with a large box and bag of food, which I began discreetly doling out.
My church recently had a small group that paid for a very large delivery of food that the public was invited to take home…no questions asked. I was able to secure more food for my closet.
Please do not think that I’m special.
I’m not.
Nearly every teacher I know does his/her best to fill in the gap when students’ needs come to light.
I’ve seen quite a few of my co-workers dig into their own pocketbooks to buy lunch for kids.
I know of many who purchase clothes for the teens they teach.
While our closets and cabinets are filled with textbooks and other educational material, stuffed into the crevices are items most necessary for day-to-day survival.
I count it an honor to work in a profession where such generosity exists, and I praise God for the blessing of being a part of a network of individuals dedicated to impacting children’s lives in such tangible ways.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: education, teaching | 1 Comment »
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