Thought I would catch you up on some of the latest...
Hinsdale Central's Students Assisting Students Club will take 30 coats to King Elementary on Wednesday, December 5th. I'm sure they will find it a rewarding experience to have raised the funds and then get to deliver the coats.
Schools Count Corp will be delivering coats to CPS and Harvey, IL schools on Wed., December 12th and Thursday, December 13th. They will be arriving just in time for the holidays and cold weather!!!
It appears as though Schools Count Corp. will head to Staten Island sometime between Dec. 28th and Jan.4th. We're still working out the details. Most all of the resources going to the Staten Island School District are being provided through the generosity of Archer Daniels Midland. The ADM office in NYC has employees living on Staten Island. Nice of them to pitch in!!
The Donor/Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is definitely a 'go' for Tuesday, March 12th. It's not too soon to make your reservation. All are invited!!
I will check with Lowell Longfellow Elementary School to see when they want us to paint parts of their building. This will surely take place after the first of the year.
Dick
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Another Tussle?
Yesterday the IL State House and Senate passed identical bills saying that the CPS had until March 31, 2013 to determine which schools to close going forward. According to some there are as many as 140 underused schools in the city. I can attest to the fact that many are underused.
No one one will like their school being closed. I clearly understand that point. I am a huge proponent of neighborhood public schools and understand the need for them in the course of raising children and giving them the best education possible.
But let's be reasonable, some schools - given the declining school population - will have to be shuttered. The original deadline for making school closing suggestions was this Saturday, Dec. 1st. Given the fact that this is a monumental task and that CPS CEO Ms. Byrd-Bennett just came to the job weeks ago, it is only wise to take more time to get it right.
CTU President Ms. Karen-Lewis may be right when she says "this is going to be a mess." But putting out a hastily put together list of school closings in the next few days would surely have created 'a mess.'
One thing is for sure - in the aftermath of the fall teacher strike - there is likely another fray on the horizon. How sad!
Dick
No one one will like their school being closed. I clearly understand that point. I am a huge proponent of neighborhood public schools and understand the need for them in the course of raising children and giving them the best education possible.
But let's be reasonable, some schools - given the declining school population - will have to be shuttered. The original deadline for making school closing suggestions was this Saturday, Dec. 1st. Given the fact that this is a monumental task and that CPS CEO Ms. Byrd-Bennett just came to the job weeks ago, it is only wise to take more time to get it right.
CTU President Ms. Karen-Lewis may be right when she says "this is going to be a mess." But putting out a hastily put together list of school closings in the next few days would surely have created 'a mess.'
One thing is for sure - in the aftermath of the fall teacher strike - there is likely another fray on the horizon. How sad!
Dick
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Thanks Perma Seal
Over the past couple of years, Perma Seal has donated funds, collected coats and provided workers to help Schools Count deliver supplies to schools in August. Thanks to Lori P. for organizing this! I'm most appreciative.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Left to Ponder
Last night, as I waited for my flight from Atlanta to Chicago, I was left waxing about our very essence. Perhaps it was a long layover or due to the fact that I had just spent some time visiting my ill mother in Florida. Well, it doesn't really matter what got me thinking about such a question.
Are we simply here to earn a living, befriend others, be part of a family, 'get ahead' in the world or are we fated for events still unforeseen? I was left watching workers hustle around Hartsfield-Jackson International, many, no doubt, making meager wages. There were those who were cleaning the airport, most certainly when they couldn't find other work. Still other people were 'wired to all sorts of technology, waiting their next flight.
We're all here but a short duration. So, what difference do any of us make? I believe any of the above events, occupations, pastimes or activities have great meaning if but one condition persists. We add to society and give meaning to our existence and that of others if we can improve our human condition. When all is said and done that may be what signifies our importance and very being.
Sure, I know this is all my opinion but I feel strongly about aiding others.
It warms my heart to know that many of you, whatever you've done for Schools Count, have aided in the growth of our human condition. I am certain that your participation in the work of our charity is part of the fabric of advancing the common good. It's all part of why we are here.
Thanks,
Dick
Are we simply here to earn a living, befriend others, be part of a family, 'get ahead' in the world or are we fated for events still unforeseen? I was left watching workers hustle around Hartsfield-Jackson International, many, no doubt, making meager wages. There were those who were cleaning the airport, most certainly when they couldn't find other work. Still other people were 'wired to all sorts of technology, waiting their next flight.
We're all here but a short duration. So, what difference do any of us make? I believe any of the above events, occupations, pastimes or activities have great meaning if but one condition persists. We add to society and give meaning to our existence and that of others if we can improve our human condition. When all is said and done that may be what signifies our importance and very being.
Sure, I know this is all my opinion but I feel strongly about aiding others.
It warms my heart to know that many of you, whatever you've done for Schools Count, have aided in the growth of our human condition. I am certain that your participation in the work of our charity is part of the fabric of advancing the common good. It's all part of why we are here.
Thanks,
Dick
Monday, November 26, 2012
Important Insight
The October 2012 issue of the Atlantic has a terrific article about the performance of students. The piece, "Why Kids Should Grade Teachers," thoughtfully reveals that how students perform has everything to do with specific teachers in specific classrooms.
Harvard economist Ronald Ferguson found that when 'students worked hard, paid attention and corrected their mistakes (initiated by the teacher); they liked being there, and they believed that the teacher cared about them. When the same students (both black and white) went to the next classroom, 'the very same kids reported that the teacher had trouble explaining things and didn't notice when students failed to understand a lesson.'
What the article and the results of Ferguson's study reveals is why students are learning or not learning. It is less about test results that what influences test results. It is a key indicator of what ought to take place with regard to teaching, learning, in-service programs, teacher training programs and the like.
There are plenty of factors that schools can't control when it comes to the level of student success in school. One of the influences that schools have control of deals with teacher effectiveness starting from their very hiring to the day they retire.
Teacher effectiveness has everything to do with student success.
Dick
Harvard economist Ronald Ferguson found that when 'students worked hard, paid attention and corrected their mistakes (initiated by the teacher); they liked being there, and they believed that the teacher cared about them. When the same students (both black and white) went to the next classroom, 'the very same kids reported that the teacher had trouble explaining things and didn't notice when students failed to understand a lesson.'
What the article and the results of Ferguson's study reveals is why students are learning or not learning. It is less about test results that what influences test results. It is a key indicator of what ought to take place with regard to teaching, learning, in-service programs, teacher training programs and the like.
There are plenty of factors that schools can't control when it comes to the level of student success in school. One of the influences that schools have control of deals with teacher effectiveness starting from their very hiring to the day they retire.
Teacher effectiveness has everything to do with student success.
Dick
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Put Money Where It's Needed
As I reflect upon the work of our charity in Chicago, New Orleans and other areas that have been devastated by natural and human causes I am left pondering the issue of fairness. Is it fair for those children in districts reeling from such catastrophies to go without needed resources at the expense of wealthy districts who receive state and federal aid?
Don't misunderstand me, those districts with great property values, a terrific tax base and a good deal of education success have done nothing wrong. So the question remains, do they really need the funds that could go to children and schools in dire need of assistance?
For all those who say money is the not the cure for an ailing school I would say that it's true that funding isn't the cureall but, funding is one of the critical elements that will aid a school as it attempts to help students.
What would it take to change this current scenario? It will take a bold governor, state legislator(s) or perhaps an individual school board and superintendent of a wealthy school who stands up for the idea that he/she can right a wrong.
One thing is for certain...students in an impoverished school/district need help. Our charity provides one source of assistance. It is time that others, in areas of power and influence, to stand up for those who are
jeopardized through no fault of their own.
Dick
Don't misunderstand me, those districts with great property values, a terrific tax base and a good deal of education success have done nothing wrong. So the question remains, do they really need the funds that could go to children and schools in dire need of assistance?
For all those who say money is the not the cure for an ailing school I would say that it's true that funding isn't the cureall but, funding is one of the critical elements that will aid a school as it attempts to help students.
What would it take to change this current scenario? It will take a bold governor, state legislator(s) or perhaps an individual school board and superintendent of a wealthy school who stands up for the idea that he/she can right a wrong.
One thing is for certain...students in an impoverished school/district need help. Our charity provides one source of assistance. It is time that others, in areas of power and influence, to stand up for those who are
jeopardized through no fault of their own.
Dick
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
On Thankfulness
I know each of you has his/her own story of why or the ways in which you are thankful. Perhaps you are thankful for the many good and decent people in your life or it just may be that you are grateful that certain opportunities came your way.
Whatever the case or occasion, each of us has been blessed with knowing wonderful people...family, neighbors, friends or a rare acquaintance. We have all shared many laughs, joyous times and, yes, some sad and tragic ones as well. But through it all, those people have remained true to us. What more could one be thankful for!
It just so happens that this journey with Schools Count Corp, on a personal level, has shown me the best in people. I have come to see so many of you for who you are at the core; kind, willing to pitch in when needed, considerate, and most generous in numerous ways.
I am optimistic by nature but even more so because of you and all that you have done over these many months and years.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Dick
Whatever the case or occasion, each of us has been blessed with knowing wonderful people...family, neighbors, friends or a rare acquaintance. We have all shared many laughs, joyous times and, yes, some sad and tragic ones as well. But through it all, those people have remained true to us. What more could one be thankful for!
It just so happens that this journey with Schools Count Corp, on a personal level, has shown me the best in people. I have come to see so many of you for who you are at the core; kind, willing to pitch in when needed, considerate, and most generous in numerous ways.
I am optimistic by nature but even more so because of you and all that you have done over these many months and years.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Dick
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Moonachie Matters!
I had never heard of Moonachie prior to Hurricane Sandy. I imagine most people had never heard of the town of slightly less than 3,000 residents. But after visiting Moonachie and talking with school officials and residents I came away thinking that this small community is much like many its size in America.
Yes, Moonachie is within eyesight of the Manhatten skyline but it is a town bound together, even prior to the storm, by a strong kinship of 'community.' The tech director, Mr. Hirsch, of Robert Craig Elementary School has been at the district for nearly forty years. Only the school board president, Mr. Campbell, has been there a short time...26 years!! It is clear that people born in Moonachie stay in Moonachie as do their children and grandchildren.
As we went door to door, these school officials personally knew all the residents we visited. Amazing!! When was the last time the school board personnel or teachers in a suburban community, knew people in such an intimate fashion?!
These kind folks made my job of passing out gift cards quite easy as my school personnel hosts were able to identify those most in need of help. I was left with the impression that each resident, no matter their walk in life, matter to all the other residents. It is for that reason, Moonachie matters. Moonachie matters because people matter.
Thanks,
Dick
Yes, Moonachie is within eyesight of the Manhatten skyline but it is a town bound together, even prior to the storm, by a strong kinship of 'community.' The tech director, Mr. Hirsch, of Robert Craig Elementary School has been at the district for nearly forty years. Only the school board president, Mr. Campbell, has been there a short time...26 years!! It is clear that people born in Moonachie stay in Moonachie as do their children and grandchildren.
As we went door to door, these school officials personally knew all the residents we visited. Amazing!! When was the last time the school board personnel or teachers in a suburban community, knew people in such an intimate fashion?!
These kind folks made my job of passing out gift cards quite easy as my school personnel hosts were able to identify those most in need of help. I was left with the impression that each resident, no matter their walk in life, matter to all the other residents. It is for that reason, Moonachie matters. Moonachie matters because people matter.
Thanks,
Dick
Monday, November 19, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Trip to Moonachie, NJ
When I entered Moonachie, NJ yesterday it first appeared as though the town didn't get hit as hard as I originally thought. Boy, was I wrong!!! The school is closed for the year, Blimpe was the only business open in town and the inside of all the homes I visited were a literal mess.
Fortunately, the garbage by the side of the road has been picked up but, other than that, Moonachie is sorely in need of help. 95% of the cars, which appear to be in running condition, are now junk. The flood waters - much of it salt water - has fully destroyed the cars, SUV's, vans and trucks. Everyone, and I mean everyone, will need to get a new or used form of transportation.
As I passed out $100 grocery and Home Depot gift cards to the families of the children who attend Robert Craig Elementary I got a chance to go into the homes of the residents. Every basement and first floor are in horrible and unliveable condition!! It is sad!! Many people live on the second floor as the lower levels can't be lived in. There are still people without power and I found a couple of homes, three weeks after the hurricane who are keeping warm with a small kerosene heater.
All the appliances are shot, floors torn up, dry wall that is beyond repair and more. People are doing their best but the hardships will be many. To a person, the people who got the gift cards were most grateful and want me to pass along their thanks. Some broke down in tears, knowing that you care about them. And that's what our trip was about, demonstrating a care for others.
Thanks,
Dick
Fortunately, the garbage by the side of the road has been picked up but, other than that, Moonachie is sorely in need of help. 95% of the cars, which appear to be in running condition, are now junk. The flood waters - much of it salt water - has fully destroyed the cars, SUV's, vans and trucks. Everyone, and I mean everyone, will need to get a new or used form of transportation.
As I passed out $100 grocery and Home Depot gift cards to the families of the children who attend Robert Craig Elementary I got a chance to go into the homes of the residents. Every basement and first floor are in horrible and unliveable condition!! It is sad!! Many people live on the second floor as the lower levels can't be lived in. There are still people without power and I found a couple of homes, three weeks after the hurricane who are keeping warm with a small kerosene heater.
All the appliances are shot, floors torn up, dry wall that is beyond repair and more. People are doing their best but the hardships will be many. To a person, the people who got the gift cards were most grateful and want me to pass along their thanks. Some broke down in tears, knowing that you care about them. And that's what our trip was about, demonstrating a care for others.
Thanks,
Dick
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Moonachie Here We Come!
Tomorrow I will head to Moonachie, NJ to distribute Shop Rite Grocery gift cards and Home Depot gift cards to those school families in dire need of some help. At this point families are still struggling, in many cases, to clean up, find food and to make repairs to their homes.
Right now the school has plenty of supplies for the children so there is no need for us to bring student resources to Moonachie. Rather, Mr. Campbell, the President of the School Board, and Mr. Hirsch, the Tech Director, will walk door to door with me to hand out the cards and to extend our best to the families.
We have nearly eighty $100 gift cards to give to deserving families! These will no doubt raise spirits as the holidays approach!
I'll be sure to take some photos and talk to the residents and, in turn, get back to you with details of the trip.
Many thanks,
Dick
Right now the school has plenty of supplies for the children so there is no need for us to bring student resources to Moonachie. Rather, Mr. Campbell, the President of the School Board, and Mr. Hirsch, the Tech Director, will walk door to door with me to hand out the cards and to extend our best to the families.
We have nearly eighty $100 gift cards to give to deserving families! These will no doubt raise spirits as the holidays approach!
I'll be sure to take some photos and talk to the residents and, in turn, get back to you with details of the trip.
Many thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
A Big Day!
Yesterday's Hurricane Sandy donations brought to over $5,000! I continue to stay in touch with Moonachie, NJ I can tell you that people are still at a loss two weeks after the ravaging storm. Man of those residing in Queens and Staten Island are still in very tough straits.
We have collected over 225 coats in our annual drive and many, many more are coming in from local schools, clubs and other organizations. Perhaps your school or work place can collect gloves, mittens, scarves, hats or coats. We'll gladly pick them up.
A generous donor provided us with an amount of money that will allow us to purchase an additional 50 - 75 coats in the coming days!
We are working with a large corporation to secure some funding to go into Staten Island. I will keep you in the loop if some funds become available.
Got to run!
Dick
We have collected over 225 coats in our annual drive and many, many more are coming in from local schools, clubs and other organizations. Perhaps your school or work place can collect gloves, mittens, scarves, hats or coats. We'll gladly pick them up.
A generous donor provided us with an amount of money that will allow us to purchase an additional 50 - 75 coats in the coming days!
We are working with a large corporation to secure some funding to go into Staten Island. I will keep you in the loop if some funds become available.
Got to run!
Dick
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
More on CPS Absenteeism
Yesterday I alluded to the Sunday, November 11th Chicago Tribune article that commented on the high rate of absenteeism among K - 8 CPS students. The story paid particular attention to this troubling situation among African Americans.
On one level the Trib story singled out African Americans but, on the other hand, the story shed a good deal of light on some of the very real causes of missing school.
As the Tribune noted, "Many students lost weeks or even months of class time as their families scrambled from home to home, fleeing foreclosures and debt. In grades K - 8, poor attendance often stems from factors beyond the schools control or even the child's - chaotic homes, ineffective parents, rising rates of poverty and homelessness."
What I'd like people to understand is that many of the causes of excessive absenteeism are out of the hands of schools and the children. As such, schools and civic organizations have to step, as best as possible, to help fill the above void. Schools Count Corp sees that we have a positive role to play in assisting schools, teachers, families and students in order to counteract these out-of-school conditions.
I'm always appreciative of the efforts you put forth to aid this cause.
Thanks,
Dick
On one level the Trib story singled out African Americans but, on the other hand, the story shed a good deal of light on some of the very real causes of missing school.
As the Tribune noted, "Many students lost weeks or even months of class time as their families scrambled from home to home, fleeing foreclosures and debt. In grades K - 8, poor attendance often stems from factors beyond the schools control or even the child's - chaotic homes, ineffective parents, rising rates of poverty and homelessness."
What I'd like people to understand is that many of the causes of excessive absenteeism are out of the hands of schools and the children. As such, schools and civic organizations have to step, as best as possible, to help fill the above void. Schools Count Corp sees that we have a positive role to play in assisting schools, teachers, families and students in order to counteract these out-of-school conditions.
I'm always appreciative of the efforts you put forth to aid this cause.
Thanks,
Dick
Monday, November 12, 2012
Empty Desks
The November 11th edition of the Chicago Tribune reported on the 'empty desk epidemic' in the Chicago Public Schools. The paper noted that 10.9 days are missed per year by all students with absenteeism highest among African American students.
This doesn't come as any surprise to many of us who follow events in the city. The paper also points out that the problem of attending class "in the elementary grades is especially acute in African-American communities on the South and West sides scarrd by gang violence, crippling unemployment and grinding poverty."
Let me point out a couple of facts. First of all, the elementary school students, in many cases, aren't missing because they want to take the day off. The above facts have something to do with absenteeism. I have been in dozens of CPS schools and the children are no more prone to like or dislike school than those in suburbia.
Speaking of the suburbs, I think the Tribune would find a good number of students missing plenty of days. The point I'm making is that absenteeism isn't a problem merely for those of color. There are plenty of students in many areas who miss a good number of days of school each year.
Back to the CPS schools, the high absenteeism and truancy rates call upon all of us to pitch in, along with parents and school personnel, to turn around this situation. I will have more to say about some action that can be taken to help students attend classes on a more regular basis.
Dick
This doesn't come as any surprise to many of us who follow events in the city. The paper also points out that the problem of attending class "in the elementary grades is especially acute in African-American communities on the South and West sides scarrd by gang violence, crippling unemployment and grinding poverty."
Let me point out a couple of facts. First of all, the elementary school students, in many cases, aren't missing because they want to take the day off. The above facts have something to do with absenteeism. I have been in dozens of CPS schools and the children are no more prone to like or dislike school than those in suburbia.
Speaking of the suburbs, I think the Tribune would find a good number of students missing plenty of days. The point I'm making is that absenteeism isn't a problem merely for those of color. There are plenty of students in many areas who miss a good number of days of school each year.
Back to the CPS schools, the high absenteeism and truancy rates call upon all of us to pitch in, along with parents and school personnel, to turn around this situation. I will have more to say about some action that can be taken to help students attend classes on a more regular basis.
Dick
Friday, November 9, 2012
More Gifts!
Due to the generosity of so many of you, we have now raised $4,025.00 in disaster relief funds for the small town of Moonachie, NJ. I have confirmed that I will go to Moonachie on Friday, November 16th so that I can deliver the various gifts and to better assess progress being made on the ground in addition to needs that will exist going forward.
Right now, food, power, warmth, cleaning supplies, and decent housing are among the top priorities. One can imagine that the flooding and loss of power, which continues to exist in a number of areas, have caused so many of these problems.
I can tell you there has been great furniture loss, damaged stoves and refrigerators, ruined carpeting and drywall, and the loss of prized possessions. It truly is heartbreaking to see the scale of damages. It does compare to the suffering incurred by many as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
I will keep you up to date on events as they unfold.
Thanks,
Dick
Right now, food, power, warmth, cleaning supplies, and decent housing are among the top priorities. One can imagine that the flooding and loss of power, which continues to exist in a number of areas, have caused so many of these problems.
I can tell you there has been great furniture loss, damaged stoves and refrigerators, ruined carpeting and drywall, and the loss of prized possessions. It truly is heartbreaking to see the scale of damages. It does compare to the suffering incurred by many as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
I will keep you up to date on events as they unfold.
Thanks,
Dick
Thursday, November 8, 2012
More Good Works!
The Students Assisting Students Club at Hinsdale Central has just concluded a couple of sales that raised $195. The members raised $91 from a 3-day cookie sale and another $104 from a candy sale last week. The club will purchase some warm winter coats for the children at King Elementary School in Chicago. We'll deliver the coats to King on Wed., Dec. 5th.
The coat drive has already netted over 200 coats thus far, even more than we collected all of last year!! As the saying goes 'Keep 'em coming in!!'
I spoke with officials in Moonachie, NJ yesterday and Harris (my contact) at Robert Craig Elementary said that students at the school were being place in various nearby schools. What is most needed right now are gift cards for the local grocery store and for some home repairs. Since that is what is needed then we'll purchase some Shop Rite and Home Depot gift cards and get them in their hands.
Thanks to some wonderful donors, we can certainly help them out with these needs. Harris said that the children, for the most part, are in reasonably good shape in term of having school supplies. Housing conditions are still in disarray in part of Moonachie and that seems to be one of the most pressing needs at the current time.
I'll keep you abreast of any changes going forward.
Thanks,
Dick
The coat drive has already netted over 200 coats thus far, even more than we collected all of last year!! As the saying goes 'Keep 'em coming in!!'
I spoke with officials in Moonachie, NJ yesterday and Harris (my contact) at Robert Craig Elementary said that students at the school were being place in various nearby schools. What is most needed right now are gift cards for the local grocery store and for some home repairs. Since that is what is needed then we'll purchase some Shop Rite and Home Depot gift cards and get them in their hands.
Thanks to some wonderful donors, we can certainly help them out with these needs. Harris said that the children, for the most part, are in reasonably good shape in term of having school supplies. Housing conditions are still in disarray in part of Moonachie and that seems to be one of the most pressing needs at the current time.
I'll keep you abreast of any changes going forward.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Give It Up 4Good - Kids 4 Good
Over the years students who have participated in the Kids4Good Program, based in Darien, IL, have done much to help others. Whether assisting IMN prior to, and in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake or aiding students in other locations, Kids4Good have always stood tall.
This organization has often helped Schools Count Corp. by collecting student supplies for those in need in Chicago, Harvey and NOLA schools.
Once again Kids4Good has stepped up to help us collect coats and winter wear for children in CPS and Harvey, IL schools.
K4G is teaming up with Eisenhower Jr. High and the Chicago Hawks Hockey Club to collect winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves for those students in need of warm clothing. Enough can't be said about these students and hockey players in terms of their willingness to help children who might well go without warm clothing this winter.
Hats off to K4G (www.kids4good.org), Eisenhower Jr. High and the Chicago Hawks Hockey Club for pitching in to help Schools Count Corp. in this endeavor. A special shoot out goes to Cynthia McGann and Mary Beth Owano.
Thank You!
Dick
This organization has often helped Schools Count Corp. by collecting student supplies for those in need in Chicago, Harvey and NOLA schools.
Once again Kids4Good has stepped up to help us collect coats and winter wear for children in CPS and Harvey, IL schools.
K4G is teaming up with Eisenhower Jr. High and the Chicago Hawks Hockey Club to collect winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves for those students in need of warm clothing. Enough can't be said about these students and hockey players in terms of their willingness to help children who might well go without warm clothing this winter.
Hats off to K4G (www.kids4good.org), Eisenhower Jr. High and the Chicago Hawks Hockey Club for pitching in to help Schools Count Corp. in this endeavor. A special shoot out goes to Cynthia McGann and Mary Beth Owano.
Thank You!
Dick
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Helping Moonachie, NJ
Over the past few days as we've been collecting funds to help people cope with the effects of Hurricane Sandy we have also been looking for a specific school and community to help. Moonachie, a town of 2200, was severely flooded as a berm broke (in a number of areas) and swamped the town.
At this point we are in contact with the Moonachie School District to find the best way to offer some assistance. Many people still have water in their homes, making conditions near unliveable.
Right now providing school supplies, according to the principal tech teacher, is not what is needed. Meals, getting power and making their homes liveable are a much bigger concern. I will chat with more people in Moonachie later today and hope to give you additional details in the coming days.
We took in another $250 in donations yesterday bringing our total contributions to $1600. We are pleased to continue to accept donations in the coming days. The more donations, the more we can help the good citizens of Moonachie.
Many thanks,
Dick
At this point we are in contact with the Moonachie School District to find the best way to offer some assistance. Many people still have water in their homes, making conditions near unliveable.
Right now providing school supplies, according to the principal tech teacher, is not what is needed. Meals, getting power and making their homes liveable are a much bigger concern. I will chat with more people in Moonachie later today and hope to give you additional details in the coming days.
We took in another $250 in donations yesterday bringing our total contributions to $1600. We are pleased to continue to accept donations in the coming days. The more donations, the more we can help the good citizens of Moonachie.
Many thanks,
Dick
Monday, November 5, 2012
Updates!!
Things are progressing just great on many fronts!!
First of all, in the first three days of collecting funds for Hurricane Sandy we've been able to amass $1,350. At this rate we'll have a good amount of money so that we can assist people back east. Just as we did in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the first action we'll take back east is to get to a school community and provide them with food. As soon as I have a location I'll be sure to let you know. In the meantime, keep the contributions coming in!
With regard to our coat drive, things couldn't be better. More people are pitching in that ever before. We have over 150 coats and many hundreds of other pieces of winter clothing. Lockport H.S., Prairieview Elementary, Kids4Good, Eisenhower Jr. High, the Hinsdale Central H. S. soccer program and many families are joining forces to collect coats and other winter wear.
This is a time of year when the cold weather, the effects of the hurricane and the holidays all come together at once. It's a time we can say with one voice, "I hear you and am willing to pitch in and aid you in your time of need."
I'm most appreciative of your support of the above initiatives.
Thank you,
Dick
First of all, in the first three days of collecting funds for Hurricane Sandy we've been able to amass $1,350. At this rate we'll have a good amount of money so that we can assist people back east. Just as we did in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the first action we'll take back east is to get to a school community and provide them with food. As soon as I have a location I'll be sure to let you know. In the meantime, keep the contributions coming in!
With regard to our coat drive, things couldn't be better. More people are pitching in that ever before. We have over 150 coats and many hundreds of other pieces of winter clothing. Lockport H.S., Prairieview Elementary, Kids4Good, Eisenhower Jr. High, the Hinsdale Central H. S. soccer program and many families are joining forces to collect coats and other winter wear.
This is a time of year when the cold weather, the effects of the hurricane and the holidays all come together at once. It's a time we can say with one voice, "I hear you and am willing to pitch in and aid you in your time of need."
I'm most appreciative of your support of the above initiatives.
Thank you,
Dick
Friday, November 2, 2012
Pulling Together
As we continue to watch the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Sandy it has become abundantly clear that no one could have imagined the harm done to so many people in so very many ways.
Kids aren't able to go to school, there are food shortages, millions are still without power, thousands of homes have been totally destroyed, there's been loss of life and so much anguish. The lines are hours long for fuel and the destruction is hard to fathom.
Schools Count will do what we can for our fellow citizens back east. When the time comes to help our fellow citizens it's incumbent upon all of us to pitch in. I can think of nothing better in our fabric than helping one another when help is needed.
Those who want to contribute to our fund can send checks to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Kindly make the check out to Schools Count Corp. In the memo section please write 'Hurricane Sandy.' If you prefer to make a donation online simply go to www.schoolscountcorp.org and you will see a page that is set up for donations.
I will keep you abreast of our endeavors in New Jersey as they unfold.
Thank you for your support!
Dick
Kids aren't able to go to school, there are food shortages, millions are still without power, thousands of homes have been totally destroyed, there's been loss of life and so much anguish. The lines are hours long for fuel and the destruction is hard to fathom.
Schools Count will do what we can for our fellow citizens back east. When the time comes to help our fellow citizens it's incumbent upon all of us to pitch in. I can think of nothing better in our fabric than helping one another when help is needed.
Those who want to contribute to our fund can send checks to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Kindly make the check out to Schools Count Corp. In the memo section please write 'Hurricane Sandy.' If you prefer to make a donation online simply go to www.schoolscountcorp.org and you will see a page that is set up for donations.
I will keep you abreast of our endeavors in New Jersey as they unfold.
Thank you for your support!
Dick
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Hurricane Sandy Assistance
Friends,
I know you have seen the devastation inflicted upon the many millions of people on the East Coast. The losses are many and the suffering is overwhelming. The recovery will be long. I am contacting you to let you know that Schools Count Corp., at some point in the future, will come to the aid of people in the region. At this point in time our charity is assessing the work that we will undertake going forward. As soon as we have a specific initiative lined up then I will get back to you with our plans.
If you would like to make a special contribution specifically for relief with regard to the hurricane I would ask you to make a donation to Schools Count Corp. and indicate 'Hurricane Sandy' in the memo section. You can mail your contribution to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. I appreciate your consideration of supporting of our efforts to help our fellow citizens.
Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 in the next couple of weeks. As is always the case, contribution will be treated as a charitable gift and is tax deductible. If you would be kind enough to share this note with neighbors, family and friends I'd be most appreciative. When we come together, we always are able to make a real difference.
Be sure to follow our work with regard to our relief endeavor on our blog (www.schoolscountcorp.blogspot.com)
Many thanks,
Dick Flesher
I know you have seen the devastation inflicted upon the many millions of people on the East Coast. The losses are many and the suffering is overwhelming. The recovery will be long. I am contacting you to let you know that Schools Count Corp., at some point in the future, will come to the aid of people in the region. At this point in time our charity is assessing the work that we will undertake going forward. As soon as we have a specific initiative lined up then I will get back to you with our plans.
If you would like to make a special contribution specifically for relief with regard to the hurricane I would ask you to make a donation to Schools Count Corp. and indicate 'Hurricane Sandy' in the memo section. You can mail your contribution to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. I appreciate your consideration of supporting of our efforts to help our fellow citizens.
Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 in the next couple of weeks. As is always the case, contribution will be treated as a charitable gift and is tax deductible. If you would be kind enough to share this note with neighbors, family and friends I'd be most appreciative. When we come together, we always are able to make a real difference.
Be sure to follow our work with regard to our relief endeavor on our blog (www.schoolscountcorp.blogspot.com)
Many thanks,
Dick Flesher
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