A Brighter Day for Galveston

Sander Hardenbol's very own words, "A Brighter Day for Galveston," about yesterday's delivery of supplies to San Jacinto Elementary couldn't be more appropriate! Sander and his wife, April, helped me deliver school supplies yesterday, Monday, Oct. 20th and I'll have more to say about their volunteer efforts a bit later.

Taking school supplies into Galveston, TX yesterday took me back, sadly, to the early days of aiding the New Orleans schools in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The streets of Galveston are cluttered with mounds of debris, many street lights aren't operational, and large boats remained jammed against I-45 as one comes into or leaves the city. These are but a small handful of the many obstacles facing the residents of a city too often hit by storms.

The devastation of Hurricane Ike has left deep wounds on this coastal city; its normal daily activities, the children, and its schools. Truly, the students and schools are in desperate need of help.

Students have too few resources for classes. April and Sander Hardenbol, two Houston residents, helping me deliver supplies to San Jacinto Elementary, remarked that they only saw one box of folders in the entire distribution area at the school. By the way, this is a sort of distribution area for all of the thirteen Galveston schools.

To say the least, our arrival with thousands of binders, crayons, loose leaf paper, pencils, pens, folders, and colored pencils was met with outright joy. Julie Schmed, who oversees educational supply donations to the Galveston Independent School system, couldn't have been happier. Her eyes lit up when she saw the supplies on the back of the truck.

As Julie said, "people keep asking me for these types of supplies and I tell them, they're coming." It is pretty obvious Julie is doing her part to garner needed resources for the children but they have been slow to make their way to the classroom.

Added to the absence of needed supplies is the fact that Ike caused so much damage, much of it manifesting itself in the classroom. Schools were damaged (some of them are still closed), children are in need of clothes, supplies and equipment within some of the buildings are ruined and lost. Beyond these conditions is the sad fact that there may be as many as 3,000 homeless children on the island. The school district is doing it best to serve these youngsters.

After unloading the truck, April, Sander and I marveled at the work of the GISD employees. Julie couldn't have been more pleased with the donations of Schools Count Corp. Theresa and Kelly two dynamic and enegetic volunteers inside the building were effusive in their praise of our efforts. By the way, positive...Theresa and Kelly are just that. They were everywhere; stacking supplies, folding clothes, arranging deliveries, helping those coming to the center to select items, and so much more. Talk about two people making a difference...WOW!

Some how, some way, Schools Count Corp will make it back to Galveston. I'm not sure when but it will be sooner rather than later. With volunteers like Julie, Fred (the hard working custodian), Theresa and Kelly we'd be crazy not to come back. By the way, April and Sander took the day off from work to help. Talk about dedicated and committed people!! Thanks!

Again, to all those who donated their time and money to the Galveston initiative let me offer you my sincere thanks. You have once again made a huge difference. Once I get back to Illinois I'll post some pictures of our work with the Galveston schools.

Thanks,
Dick Flesher

Going to Galveston!

Finally, nearly a month after Hurricane Ike slammed into Galveston Island, the students are back at their desks. But normalcy has not returned to schools. Piles of debris are still strewn about, people are without proper housing, jobs are gone, many students are displaced from their original school and life is anything but normal for many. As parents struggle with these issues, students are still in need of daily materials for their classwork.

Perhaps the proof of the continuing struggles for so many is the fact that former Presidents Bush and Clinton toured the Galveston area on Tuesday, October 14 to get a first hand account of the devastation and to plead for desperately needed funds for islands residents.

Many will recall that the two former Presidents raised sorely needed funds for the Asian tsunami survivors as well as those who faced the havoc of Hurricane Katrina in NOLA. It's pretty obvious that Ike has had the same lethal impact on Galveston residents as did the two earlier hurricanes.

Schools Count Corp will head to Galveston on Sunday, October 19 and will deliver a variety of supplies to the schools and assess the damage on October 20th and 21st. Students will be provided with pens, pencils, paper, folders, binders, crayons, and colored pencils among other items.

As we head into Galveston I want to make special mention of the fact that two area high schools are doing their part to help the schools. The Student Council of Lyons Township High School has made a significant contribution relative to purchasing supplies for the children. LT's Homecoming has a social aspect to it and this year the students chose to support our endeavor. Likewise, Hinsdale Central's Habitat for Humanity Club is sponsoring its annual chili dinner, donating 50% of the proceeds to Schools Count Corp so that we can buy classroom essentials. Kudo's to LT and HC!!

I'll follow up with stories and pictures of our trek into Galveston next week.

To those of you who have contributed time, energy, funds and products to this initiative...many thanks! You are one of the main forces behind helping the Galveston students recover from the storm.

Dick Flesher

Finally, Contact with Galveston Schools!

After 12 days of trying to get through to Galveston school officials, I finally made contact with Superintendent Lynn Cleveland and her asst., Barbara Mallory on Thursday, September 25th. The time lag clearly indicates the severity of the hurricane and the overwhelming load of work that remains in so very many areas prior to getting schools ready to open on Monday, Oct. 6th. As of this posting, the 6th is the target date to open schools.

After speaking to Ms. Cleveland and Ms. Mallory it is clear that the schools need our help. Both individuals were thrilled that Schools Count Corp. is willing to step up and help aid the children.

Superintendent Cleveland mentioned four items as major needs. These include backpacks, assorted student supplies - writing tools, loose leaf paper, folders, and more - music instruments, and library books. Other specific products are also in great need and we are working with Julie Schmed, the Educational Foundation Laison, to work out details on acquisition and delivery within the next couple of weeks.

Our original intent was to help the Galveston schools by flying into Dallas-Ft. Worth and then making the 250 trek south to the coast. Fortunately, I have found some kind individuals within the Houston, TX region who are willing to help us procur school supplies and aid us in getting them to Galveston. The Houston to Galveston drive is a scant 35 miles so we will be able to save funds on trucking, etc. By the way, fuel is a precious commodity in the region so reducing our driving distance is helpful.

As we prepare to go into Galveston I'd like to make a special appeal to you. Many of you work for companies that generously donate to charities. If you are aware that your company engages in this type of philanthropy I'd be most appreciative of your making mentioning of our Galveston initiative. Any funds that they donate would be most helpful.

As we go forward into Texas I will be sure to keep informed on our work.

Many thanks,
Dick

Helping Galveston Schools

Within the next few weeks Schools Count Corp will go into Galveston, TX in order to aid schools which are coping with the ravages of Hurricane Ike. Not only were homes, families, and businesses punished, so to were the schools on the island.


As small as the island is, there, nonetheless, are thirteen (13) schools. To date, all of the schools remain closed. Out of the 13 schools, I know that at least 11 of them took water. Three of the schools have significant damage according to the Galveston Independent School District (http://www.gisd.org/). Burnet Elementary and Ball High have a good deal of damage and will be closed for the foreseeable future. Central took 57 1/2" of water in their Auditorium.


As of this posting, few people can get on the island and communication with the Superintendent and Asst. Superintendent has been limited. Over the next week I will coordinate our assessment of student needs with these officials and determine when its advisable to bring supplies to the children.


The preliminary plan is to fly into Dallas-Ft. Worth and purchase the supplies in the metropolitan region and then truck the supplies the 250 miles to Galveston.
We will be sure to get the goods to the areas hardest hit and with the greatest needs.


Right now our most urgent need is cash funds. If you can send a donation to Richard Flesher, 219 Brookside Lane, A, Willowbrook, IL. 60527 that would be most appreciated. Please make the check payable to Schools Count Corp.


A number of you have generously donated throughout this year for our initiatives in New Orleans. I am most thankful. Another way you can help this Galveston endeavor is to ask your fellow employees to make a contribution to the cause. Please take a few minutes to ask your employer if you can solicit funds in this manner. Remember, Schools Count is a federal non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.


The citizens of Galveston can use our help so lets pitch in and get the students back in the classroom as soon as possible

The Aftermath of Gustav

True, Hurricane Gustav did not come close to wreaking the havoc on New Orleans as compared to the pounding inflicted by Hurricane Katrina. The fact remains that the large power towers and other infrastructure were severely damaged by Gustav. But the larger issue is the state of mind of the people who have lived through Gustav, Rita, and Katrina.



There are many survivors of Katrina, some I personally know, who shudder when the word hurricane is mentioned. Last Friday, August 29th a young 2nd grader, who I heard talk to the Asst. Principal, remarked in his querry, "My Mom says that I will go to God after this Katrina hits us." Yes, the deep scars linger.



Another man who lost his leg during Hurricane Katrina and survived two days on the roof of a New Orleans East home remarked just four days ago that "seeing water or having even the sensation that the tinest bit of flooding might occur is something I cannot handle."



So as New Orleans and other Louisiana areas cope with Gustav, Schools Count Corp has partnered with clubs at Hinsdale Central High School to send water and food supplies to those recovering from the latest onslaught of mother nature.



The HC boys soccer team, ACE and Peer Leadership partnered with Schools Count Corp and sent a full 53' tractor trailer of needed supplies to the Emergency Management Dept. in the Crescent City. This agency in turn will distribute supplies to the areas hardest hit by Gustav. The truck should arrive with these vital necessities in the afternoon of Sat., Sept. 6th.



Thanks not only goes out to the above named clubs but to a number of individuals and to these groups; Common Ground, Global Hope, St. Bernard Parish Project and the larger Hinsdale Central High School community. Many thanks!

I remain grateful for all those who support our various initiatives in New Orleans and, on behalf of each of you, am pleased to tell you that the fine people of NOLA are so appreciative of your constant support. This is a city, a people, and a country - where those who have been rendered powerless - can reach to our non-profit for aid.



Dick Flesher

Relief Supplies Being Collected

Hi Everyone,

Within the past 90 minutes I have had two urgent calls with requests for relief supplies in the Gulf Coast. One request came from Baton Rouge...very hard hit and the other from Jefferson Parish which is just to the west of New Orleans.

Both areas are seeing residents come back into town only to find little or no power, most stores without food items which means that food shortages are anticipated. The Emergency Management Dept. needs cases of water and cases of food right now. This agency has guaranteed us passage into the region.

Tomorrow morning from 6:00 am to 10:00 am (or longer, if need be) I will be collecting cases of water and cases of food at Hinsdale Central High School. I don't know the exact location but it is likely to be on Grant St.

We, Schools Count Corp and the citizens of New Orleans, need your help. I would be appreciative of your doing two things for me. First, if you can bring us cases of water and food that would be terrific. Also, please be so kind as to get this call out to your friends or colleagues. This needs to be done now. We have to act today.

The folks in New Orleans are grateful for the assistance and I have learned they would never ask for this help unless they truly needed it. Thanks for pitching in!!

Dick

August 27-29th

Three years after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and New Orleans, schools remain in need of everything from uniforms to daily supplies to space for classes and activities. That doesn’t even take into account too few teachers and overcrowded classrooms.

Last week, August 27-29, prior to Gustav making landfall, I had the good fortune to deliver 150 pants and polo’s to Murray Henderson Elementary School. To say the least, Ms. Honore was thrilled to receive the uniforms for the children. I noticed a few students in slightly faded tops so the timing was just right.

Across the street from Henderson is William Fischer Elementary, a school which we provided with all sort of aid in early August as well as in the late spring. Schools Count Corp., in our dealings with Fischer, has provided the students with daily essentials, reading books, and uniforms. In the spring we teamed up with AmeriCorps to build bookshelves for thousands of donated books.

As I mentioned at the outset, many needs remain in the wake of Hurricane Katrina let alone Gustav. While at Fischer last week I saw children playing outdoors. They were having a blast pushing one another around on a teacher supply cart. That cart may no longer exist. The thought occurred to me that if students had a number of scooters then more children could play and the teacher would have the use of his/her cart. Volleyball, yes they play it but not in a gym. The children hit balls into an outdoor wall after running up a lumpy grass incline. It seems like they deserve better.

The three-day trip ended with my going to NOLA City Hall to meet the President and Vice President of the City Council. Both Jackie and Arnie thanked our company for our past efforts. In turn, I am pleased to pass along these kudos to you, the volunteers and donors who have done all the work.

In retrospect, I do have one wish after making this trip. I would love to see the ‘officials’ in government witness the children without some of the aforementioned basics. For but a few hours I’d like them to see dilapidated buildings and children fashioning scooters out of teacher carts. It would be well worth their time to see dedicated and competent teachers who are doing are more than anyone gives them credit for. In short, these officials would walk away as I do, on every trip, knowing that more remains to be done for such wonderful people.

Aiding Iowa

Schools Count Corp went into flood stricken Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Monday, Aug. 25th in order to deliver school supplies to Grant Woods Elementary School and other schools devastated by this summers Midwest floods.

The supplies were sent to Cedar Rapids through the outstanding work of Megan LaForte at Clarendon Hills Middle School in Clarendon Hills, IL. Clarendon Hills Middle and a number of other schools in District 181 furnished backpacks loaded with colored pencils, notebooks, binders, loose leaf paper, pencils and much more.

Not only are the Cedar Rapids schools still in need of daily supplies but the larger community has housing and relocation needs that need to be met in an urgent fashion.

I saw first hand the struggle of the community. I witnessed many people living in tents with meager essentials. Many of the houses on the northwest side of the city are still vacant. Trash remains littered on street after street.

Schools Count Corp is committed to continuing to aid the Cedar Rapid school system.
We are looking to get to Cedar Rapids as soon as possible perhaps within the next two weeks.

Though Schools Count Corp’s normal month for soliciting for funds is in the month of April, we are asking those interested in aiding the Cedar Rapids school children to send a special one-time check for any amount so that we can aid the children as they return to the classroom.

Checks should be made payable to Schools Count Corp and sent to Dick Flesher, 219 Brookside Lane, A, Willowbrook, IL. 60527

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

We will post more information and pictures from our recently completed trip to NOLA. First and foremost we want to thank all the donors, see our website for a complete list of those who have helped with both physical items as well as monetary donations. We also want to thank those who helped us execute the large initiative this week.

From Chicago: Anna Albrecht, Kristen Bronke, Dick Flesher, John Hill, Megan LaForte, Dawn Oler, and Joe Prieto.

From NOLA: C. J. Aucoin, Rev. Deschner, Spencer Didriksen, Severin Didriksen, Dalton Howard, Helen Howard, Mel Howard, Nell Howard, Happy Johnson, Aaron Lob, Stuart Lob, Derin McLeod, Virginia Ruffin, Trent Strasburg, and Maureen Toolan

A BIG Thank YOU to all the area schools...

The following schools helped collect used and unused school supplies at the end of the 07-08 school year. Not only will this allow us to distribute the supplies to needy children in New Orleans, but it kept all of it out of the landfill! Thank you!

Beebe Elementary

Butler Junior High

Clarendon Hills Middle School

Clayton Public Schools, WI

Downers Grove South H.S.

Eagle Point Elementary

Elmwood Elementary

Glenbard West H.S.

Hinsdale Central H.S.

Hinsdale South H. S.

Kennedy Jr. High

Kingsley Elementary

Lincoln Way East H.S.

Lockport H.S.

Maercker Elementary

Mokena Elementary

Mokena Intermediate

Naperville Central H.S.

Riverside Brookfield H.S.

Walker Elementary

Westview Middle School

York High School

Loading Semi's Bound for NOLA!

On Thursday, July 24th, Dick Flesher, Dawn Oler, Maddie Oler, Mary Kate Zoetvelt, Myles Laffey Jr., Myles Laffey Sr., Mike LaForte, Megan LaForte, Dave DiTomasso, Lindsey DiTomasso, John Hill, Laura Milas, Corky King, Skyler King, and Linda Hurt helped pallet, wrap and load 2 semi's full of school supplies and instruments. This will result in approximately 2 pallets per school when we deliver them August 11th and 12th!

Thank you to all the schools and donors that made this possible.

Please see the video clip and slideshow from loading day.

Imagine doing this 20+ times!

A Busy Time...

What a busy week it has been for Schools Count Corp. We received a generous donation toward school uniforms and were able to purchase 168 shirts and 369 pairs of pants! These items were split between three different schools. Students must have uniforms in order to attend school in New Orleans, so these uniforms are usually handed out by Social Workers and Registrars who know of situations where the lack of a uniform may prevent a student from attending school. Some other items we have collected in the past include socks and underwear.

School Supplies to NOLA

Currently we are collecting and sorting school supplies. We have received countless donations from schools, individuals and community groups, THANK YOU! By the end of July all supplies will be sorted and we will spend one day loading them onto pallets, shrink wrapping them and marking them for a particular school. Then they will be placed on a semi and head for the Big Easy!

There are 25 schools in New Orleans that we will be aiding this August. Beginning with those with the lowest LEAP scores, we call them and see how many students they anticipate in the fall and what their needs are. Then we try and match their needs up with the supplies we have, sometimes they could really use Spanish books or Art supplies, so we put out the word and see if we can come up with those items.

The number of folders, notebooks, etc is directly tied to the number of students, so maybe each student would receive 3 new notebooks, 2 used notebooks and a few folders both new and used, etc. We also package up supplies for the teachers/classroom markers, pencils, etc.

Schools Count Corp

Our Mission:
Devoted to the world's children by providing resources that have the power to lift the spirit and unlock the vast potential of the human mind.

www.schoolscountcorp.org