Calling All Volunteers

In just a few short weeks we'll begin preparations to deliver student supplies to the various buildings within the CPS and Harvey, IL schools.  It does seem hard to believe that it is that time of the year to help get the kids ready for school in the fall but we want to make sure they are ready to go on the first day of school.

We will pack pallets, organize, shrink wrap, and load trucks at our home on Tuesday morning August 6th.  This is an enormous of work but we always seem to have a great time coming together for a terrific cause.  As in the past we will commence working at 8:30 am and we should be done by noon.  As always we will keep you hydrated and offer a light lunch when we are done loading the trucks.

We will meet at our home at 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL.  We welcome all volunteers.  To be a part of this endeavor, simply email me at rich219@comcast.net.

From past experience, I can relate to you that the children helped through this initiative always seem to have better attendance and they make progress academically due to the fact that they have many of the necessary resources that lead to success in the classroom.  Let's jump in and help those who really do need our assistance!

Thanks,
Dick

She Was that and More

As many of you well know, I have been missing in action when it comes to blogging over the past couple of months.  I have been attending to my Mom in Florida.  Sadly, my mother passed away on June 19th and we took her back to New York, where we all grew up, to lay her to rest.

My Mom raised three boys, drove bus for 17 years, and had three husbands.  All preceded her in death.  My mother spent countless hours raising us, providing us with much comfort, while attending to our every need.  Mom was not much different in that respect than countless millions of mothers in America.

For me, she was nothing short of remarkable!!  She was a kind, giving and gentle person.   My dad taught us to work hard and to be dedicated no matter the task.  Mom was a great complement to my father.  She instilled in me the fact that, aside from hard work, what mattered is how went about our business.  By the way she lived her life, it was clear that we ought to be kind to everyone, reach out to help without being asked and to treat everyone with the same respect and dignity that we would expect from others.

I am certain that my teaching, coaching and the work I enjoy, in helping children through the work of our charity, is directly the result of my mothers guidance.   My mother meant everything to me and I am so proud to have called her my Mom.  I will endeavor, to the best of my ability, to continue to live my life as she lived hers.   Her loving charm, warmth and keen sense of being kind, no matter the circumstances, will continue to live on.  May she rest in peace.

Thanks Mom!
Dick

Supplies everywhere!!

Part of the reason I have been so slow on staying up on my blog is due to the fact that for the past two weeks I have been traversing the countryside (okay, really the suburbs!!) collecting student supplies which will find their way to the desks of the CPS and Harvey, IL. students in August.

I literally have a mountain of supplies in all sorts of boxes and bags and need some help sorting and repackaging them.  A dozen volunteers would really help in this regard!   We will sort supplies this Saturday, June 15th from 9:00 am to noon.  Just three hours should do the trick.  If you can even help for two hours that would be appreciated.   We will sort at our home at 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr. in Mokena.

If you can make it please let me know.  You will meet some great volunteers, have fun, serve a great cause and you can count on us to provide some cool refreshments. 

Hope you can make it!!
Thanks,
Dick