These North Habersham Middle School eighth graders and their classmates are counting down the days until their class trip to Charleston. (PHOTO/A.N. Williams)
Her eyes were the deepest pool of liquid brown and she was passionately explaining her gratefulness. She was surprised at how well her letter writing campaign had gone. She was amazed at how people had responded. She wanted me to tell you “thank you!” She didn’t say it only once. She said it over and over again. “Thank you!”
This was only one voice of the many I heard in the hours I spent with these Bobcats. For those of you keeping up with this story, you know this has been a long process. It started way back in October with a yard sale. (See the outcome of the Charleston Challenge here.) There was a movie night, the regifting room at Christmas, fundraising sales of candy bars and sheet sets, and hours and hours of letter writing, planning, preparing, and praying.
This crazy, amazing effort took all of the 8th grade teachers along with the staff and Principal Tuck to make this happen. And there are countless hours by students – not just 8th graders but 6th and 7th graders, too! Work was delegated, assigned, accomplished. Hard moments, rewarding moments.
What an impressive endeavor. What commitment and character. So many stories of learning, trusting, believing and hoping. As their countdown continues, Now Habersham will introduce you to these Bobcats. We’re committed to sharing some of these stories in the days and weeks to come.
But the challenge is not over. There are some kids who still need help to make this dream a reality. Needs that came to light after the Challenge deadline because a parent lost their job or had other financial setbacks. For another, a death in the family caused them to lose their support. The goal remains the same: ALL 8th grade Bobcats should have the opportunity to go to Charleston on March 21.
It’s not only financial resources that are still needed. Here is a list of 10 things that you, your family, your business, your bridge club, your church or Sunday school class can do:
- Donate breakfast the morning of the trip.
- Donate water and snacks for the trip there and back.
- Donate personal supplies for the students. (for example: travel size toiletries)
- New or gently used sleeping bags for camping on the USS Yorktown.
- Sponsor a t-shirts for travelers each day. (Keeping within the same color helps with grouping).
- Donations of coats and layering underclothes. (March will be cold for touring.)
- Donation of identical bags for adults to carry medical and emergency supplies.
- Donate to assist in paying for one meal on the way home from Charleston.
- Positive thoughts and prayers for safety and enrichment throughout the duration of our trip!
Most of these kids haven’t been to Charleston. The ones who have, went long ago. Charleston, the teamwork and hard work it’s taking to get them all there, hold lessons for them – lessons they will refer to all of their lives. As one student said, “It is a trip of a lifetime!”
To donate items listed above or to make a monetary donation, please contact Heather Hawkins at [email protected].
