Large Courtyard Gets Some "Helping Hands"

Only Thursday July 24th, 17 student and 7 adult volunteers spent some time getting our large courtyard ready for the new school year. The group overcame such obstacles as terrible traffic on I-95 and colossal thunder storms to help us stay on top of the weeds in the picnic table area used for lunch (by reservation) and as outdoor classroom space.  The volunteers worked hard and fast, and got so much accomplished in a short amount of time. 

Helping Hands is a mission opportunity for rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders in Methodist churches across Virginia.  175 students came from several churches around Virginia to participate.  It is hosted by Woodlake United Methodist Church.   It's a two-day program that takes students to 30 sites in the Richmond area to rake, paint, pull weeds, feed the hungry, clean streams, sort donated items at thrift stores and more.  Thank you Helping Hands and Woodlake UMC, we are grateful for your help!

 

Clothing to Cash Wrap-Up

I know, I know, it's summer now, and school is not on your mind.  BUT, we have receive the final June numbers for our Clothing to Cash program so here is a quick summary of how this program went, from March when we first set out the bins, until the end of June.  Guess how many pounds we collected during that time.  It's higher than you think!  We collected 3,404 pounds of clothing, shoes, linens, and towels during that time.  The school earns 10 cents per pound, AND we earned multiple bonuses for being one of the highest collectors in the Richmond area.  So, this program earned the school almost $500 just for those few months.  Those unwanted items will be recycled, and we have some super clean closets!  It's a win-win-win.  Since it's been so successful, we've decided to keep the bin year-round.  So, take an hour this summer and clean out a closet with your children, and bring the unwanted items up to our school's bin.  If you don't get around to it, don't worry, the bin will be there whenever you do!  Thank you so much for your support.