by Joyce Nickols
A big “thanks” goes to the 50 Unitarian children, youth, and adults, along with members from Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church and women from my book group, who helped with the “Children’s Tools for School” project.
Tom Zaugg drove the ReMax truck to Staples in Santa Fe early on August 6th to pick-up the $21,000 order of school supplies (yes, $21,000!). We were back to the Masonic Temple by noon and many came to unload the truck. (Take a look at the article/picture by Sherry Hardage hanging on the bulletin board across from the kitchen as it shows some of our kids in action.) We then opened boxes and sorted the items in preparation for the individual school “boxing” that took place the next day. It was a busy and sometimes chaotic two days but everyone agreed it was fun and a worthy outreach project. Everyone seems eager to help again next year. Least you think the task was complete, the following week several UU adults delivered all the boxes of supplies to individual elementary and middle schools in Los Alamos and Espanola.
The school supply project originated with one woman, Patt Tubb, who felt all children not only needed but also deserved to have the proper school supplies to succeed in school. For many years she operated a program for at-risk children out of her White Rock home.
When it became apparent that the need for this program was huge, Self Help Inc. was asked to further develop the program, which they have since 1996. This year we distributed school supplies to the five Los Alamos elementary schools and the middle school and to the eleven elementary schools and middle school in Española. The supplies go directly to the counselors (in some cases to the principals) who in confidentiality distribute them to children in need. United Way is the primary funder of the program, but nearly half comes from individuals—many from this church, which is greatly appreciated. For years I have felt the “Children’s Tools for School” project would be a very good intergenerational outreach project for us UUs. We were needed this year and many came forward to help. Thank you.
