Coats - A big deal

Just imagine wanting to go to school in the deep snow and you don't have a winter coat. Conjure up a youngster who would like to go next door or to the grocery store with Mom and Dad and they have only a hoodie to wear in the bitter cold. Or think about the child who has a coat that is torn, dirty or simply too old to wear...most people would feel embarrassed.

That's why I'm making a big deal about collecting winter coats for a number of the students who attend the schools in Harvey and Chicago. They shouldn't be faced with the conditions I outlined in the preceding paragraph.

To be a part of this effort to bring some warmth and comfort to deserving school children in our area, please consider donating a new or gently used children's coat to the cause. Why not start your own effort to help the kids? Please contact me at rich219@comcast.net to lend a helping hand.

Thank you,
Dick

Calling All Coats

Well what do you know?! The seven day string of record 92 degree heat (plus) has finally given way to some normal chilly fall like temps. And those falling temps will surely - sorry to say - will give way to the cold of late fall and winter. Oh, sorry to mention that last word.

On a serious note, those bitter cold days mean that we all have to bundle up. As we have for the past eight years, our charity will once again be collecting children's winter coats. We prefer new ones as a brand new one makes it that much more special for the kids.

Our goal is to collect/buy 500 coats between now and November 15th when we will provide these to the principals of the various schools at our 'Appreciation Dinner.'

A few guidelines. We prefer new coats (I can write a tax receipt for you) but will take gently used winter coats that are very clean and almost like new. Please, NO hoodies, NO sweatshirts, NO trench coats, NO long dress coats.

You can drop these off at 9550 140th Ct. in Orland Park (give me a call at 630-863-6035 ahead of time) or at 345 Harris in Clarendon Hills or at 451 Colfax in Clarendon Hills. Please contact me at rich219@comcast.net with any questions.

Many thanks,
Dick

Supplies to Houston Students!

To Our Houston school supply donors,

Just wanted you to know that nearly $15,000.00 worth of school supplies were purchased and delivered to some of the schools impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Houston. I have a few photos attached which shows the children at KIPP Corner (the KC on their shirts) unloading the truck so that they can be moved to other schools (which is taking place as I write to you).

A former Hinsdale Central High School student, Sammie Schmidt, who teaches in Houston is coordinating the effort on the ground.

I think you can tell from the smiles on the faces of these students, they are thrilled that we assisted them and just as elated to help get the supplies to others in need.

To one and all, my heartfelt thanks for making this happen. I'm so very appreciative!

Sincerely,

Dick Flesher

KICK Success!

Thanks goes out to all the boys in this photo who participated in the 2017 KICK event!! Special shout out to Alex Cole, Brady McKay, Edison Hawkins and Jackson Harris (and the Moms) who took the lead in getting the event off the ground. $7,100.00 has been raised up to this point in time. The funds will be used to purchase school supplies for area schools and to buy some new winter coats. A portion of the proceeds will also aid Houston, TX as it recovers from Hurricane Harvey.

I'm pleased to know that a group of civic minded individuals have stepped up to assist those in need. Please know that your donations, time and effort are greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
Coach Flesher

Some Reflections

There are numerous times when any number of individuals may say to themselves, in some self talk, 'What can I do?' Most of us want to pitch in when help is needed or when a crisis arises. And it doesn't necessarily mean that the crisis is a hurricane or earthquake. It might very well be that a family has lost a home or that a group of people in a civic organization could use a helping hand.

It could be something as simple, given the heat wave here in Chicago, that we look in on someone who is older or is without airconditioning.

I have thought about the idea of 'What can I do?' for many years, often reflecting on what it means to those who simply don't have the means, for one reason or another, to acquire what is needed to forge ahead.

For me, I think that the answer to the question, 'What can I do?' is this. We can do almost anything, not everything but, almost anything. It will take some time, phone calls, consideration of others, kindness, and a sincere desire to help others...to help them without any reservations or conditions. Yes, you have to throw yourself into it. Put another way, don't be detered, don't be afraid to go for it.

Thanks for you support of our charity,
Dick

Great News on All Fronts

I n our efforts to raise funds for hurricane relief I am please to report that we have been able to collect in excess of $17,000 for those who need our help. The desperation doesn't end just because a few weeks have passed. You can still donate by going to our website at www.schoolscountcorp.org or send a check to Dick Flesher at 9550 140th Court, Unit #112, Orland Park, IL 60462. Kindly make the tax deductible check payable to Schools Count Corp.

It is my pleasure to announce that our 'Appreciation Dinner' will be held on Wednesday, November 15th at the Community House in Hinsdale (415 W. Eighth St.). This is a time of celebration and a time to come together to reflect on the great work of our donors, volunteers and those who we are able to support. ALL are welcome. Yes, everyone!!! There is no charge for the dinner. It is our chance to say thank you! Simply email me with your name and number of guests who will attend.

Dick

Texas Update

My tech skills, more appropriately, my lack thereof, has prevented me from keeping you posted on some of our endeavors in Texas. A large shipment of school supplies is due to arrive at KIPP Connect either today or tomorrow. As soon as I get photos and confirmation I'll be sure to pass it along to one and all.

Yesterday I spoke with an individual with the Rockport, TX schools. If you'll recall this was the epicenter of Hurricane Harvey. To say that there is widespread devastation might be an understatement. To give you an idea of the carnage, the schools won't open until early October at the soonest.

Right now I can't ship anything to them!! Why? The schools are too damaged and there is literally NO place to store supplies. It looks like the district will contract to receive some 80 trailers to use as classrooms. Of course, locating the children (many of them with their families fled Rockport) to get them back in class will be problematic.

Thanks for your interest, support, patience and many donations.
Dick