It's been 3 weeks since my last blog entry. Not to say I have nothing to say, that's never been a problem, but between vacation and outdoor education trips I have had reflection and planning time and not a lot of student action.
Perhaps my lack of writing is also because I have spent the last two weeks reading the new and therefore was not inclined to write or share. I've spent the past year trying to teach empathy to my students. I have been trying and get them to understand what it is like in other parts of the world and/or in other social classes here in San Francisco. To feel it. To know it. And yet for the past two weeks my own empathy has been far from poverty, it been more terror based, Boston based. As I recall the final miles of my own Boston Marathon years ago I can't help but empathize with the people of Boston that day and the international running community. It knocks the wind right out of me just thinking about it.
But this blog isn't about Boston. It is #bostonstrong though, don't get me wrong. And on this week as I plan launches of some new projects ideas, sometimes it's a sweet email that reminds me that we have still have 7 1/2 weeks left. We will continue working towards alleviating poverty one small step at a time. We will continue making others smile glocal and global. Thanks for this Project Night Night...
Dear Ms Goggin and 5th Graders
We are flattered and honored that your research led you to Project Night Night. Please know that we will use the boys' donation wisely. Over 95% of every dollar raised goes directly to the homeless children whom we serve -- a statistic about which we are immensely proud.
If you wouldn't mind, below is a link to a short 3 minute video that we revised recently. It features many of the children whom we help as well as those children who volunteer their time for us. I think that the Town School 5th grade might enjoy seeing it.
http://animoto.com/play/UAS51dU7Nk7Nifil9fB18w
Finally, I wanted to share with you a story from a recent Night Night package delivery that I made to Homeless Prenatal in Potrero Hill.
"When I distributed the Night Night Packages in the childcare room of Homeless Prenatal, most of the children ran right up to me, saw their favorite stuffie and requested a specific bag that caught their eye. When the hubbub had subsided, I noticed a little boy over by the train table who had not participated. I took four Night Night Packages over to him, each with a different furry friend peeking out. I asked him if he would like to choose one. Silence. I asked if he had a favorite animal. Silence. I told him that the dog with the floppy ears holding the heart was my favorite. Silence. I explained that I would leave it on the chair beside him. If he wished to take care of the doggie, that would be wonderful. If not, he could leave it there, and I would come back to get the doggie later. Silence.
I went back to my car to get the remaining Night Night Packages to take the to intake area for distribution. When I returned I passed the little boy in the hallway. He was hugging the dog with the floppy ears so tightly. The tote bag with the blanket and book was on his shoulder. When I saw him again, he broke out into a big smile and held up the dog, "This is Samuri, my new best friend! I'm going to take good care of him. I love him."
Thank you Town School 5th Grade for helping to make the lives of these children so much brighter.
Very sincerely,
Kendra
Kendra Robins | Founder and Executive Director | Project Night Night