For those that were capable we passed on slips explaining
that we wanted nothing in return for our work but for them to pay
it forward for others not capable of passing it forward we chalked
it up to random acts of kindness.
The day included pumping gas, free car wash, attending
4 different nursing homes ( one group were the HS chorus kids and
they sang and visited with the residents) anther group played bingo
and cards at the nursing home and another just visited, the human
society got 15 kids to work all day cleaning cages and walking dogs,
two out lying townships within our school district got garbage picked
up, windows washed, cemetery cleaned, local legion projects attended
to, the student resident computer guy helped three individuals with
computer problems, cookies were baked and taken to shut in, leaves
were raked, windows washed, power washing of decks, fixed a snowblower
and deck, park benches were repainted, fire engine was polished
and waxed, and a free brat free for local volunteer EMT's and volunteer
fireghters climaxed a very busy day.
The day after the event the school was buzzing with
pride, kids telling each other about their day and their projects.
They asked if we could "do this once a month". No one
thought of it as just a day off of school and I predict it will
snowball in to them doing more volunteer things on their own time
because of the good feeling they got in return for their unselfish
acts of kindness.
I have received many emails, voice mails and cards
from the community, some from actual recipients and others from
people that just heard about it and applauded us for our efforts.
Yes please pass our story on and I hope it will
inspire someone else to copy it or improve on it.
Sincerely,
Lynda Garbe
Athletic Director
Oostburg High School
Oostburg, WI.