ALL-STUDENT PROJECTS In 2017, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that one out of five Houston children live in poverty. This sobering statistic frames the two projects that unite our entire student body. In the fall, students of all ages bring gentlyused coats and shoes for a drive benefiting the clothing closet at Christian Community Service Center (CCSC). Before delivery, students sort items by size and gender and tally the results. This year’s totals: 275 coats and over 400 pairs of shoes. In the spring, older students partner with their younger buddies to make 2,500 sack lunches for Kids Meals, which serves young children with food insecurity. In debriefing the experience, fourth grader Jack Ritter said, “When I would hear about a tragedy like someone’s house burning down, I used to feel hopeless. But now I realize there are things I can do to help, and that makes me feel useful.” Seventh grader Thompson Knight added, “Sometimes people aren’t responsible for the circumstances they’re in—they get sick, or they lose their car in a flood and can’t get to work, or maybe they’re a veteran with PTSD.” Another student had an epiphany, too: “One day, we could be the ones who need help.”
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VINE & BRANCH
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” —1 Peter 4:10
