Participating in the annual Spirit of Giving ‘Back to School Bash’ yesterday was one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences to date and I’m writing to share a funny, touching little story that came from it.
What’s The Spirit of Giving?
It’s a non-profit organization helping other non-profits in Palm Beach County focus their efforts and energy wisely so more children and families can be served, resulting in stronger communities for all us. Because of The Spirit of Giving, more than 60 of PBC’s greatest nonprofit organizations are networked in sharing resources, knowledge and best practices so they can concentrate on their core missions. That’s serious impact.
“Back to School” Shopping – A full fledged operation
Every year approximately 4,500 students (k thru 12) in Palm Beach County go back to school with backpacks filled with supplies thanks to the Spirit of Giving’s annual ‘Back to School Bash.’, and the operations that go into this event could give Henry Ford a run for this money. As I entered Village Academy in Delray Beach, I was struck by the vast numbers of people lined up and the systems helping kids “shop” for school supplies. It was very impressive and the space was filled with smiles and positive energy.
“Calling all Shoppers!”
I was assigned as a “shopper” which meant I was paired with students in helping them “shop” through the aisles set up in the gymnasium containing the common school supplies required for their grades. From beginning to end, each shopping experience took about 10 to 15 minutes and each was a great opportunity to connect with a young person to learn a little about their world. They set up two corresponding lines, one of students and one of shoppers, and as the line progresses, you’re eventually matched up with a student. The two of you then journey through the shopping maze together.
As it happened, I was consistently paired with students from upper grades, at least seventh grade or higher, and I was curious to hear from a true youngster, at least fourth grade or lower. So, I plotted to “game the system” by advance planning of aligning with a student who I reckoned was probably going into the second grade.
Turns out I made a miscalculation and I was paired with Robert who was right behind the assumed second grader. Robert was going to into the 12th grade and his smile radiated warmth and enthusiasm. He was the most socially engaging of all the students so far and I was impressed that he wasn’t just responding to my questions about this life, but he was inquiring into mine. Old soul.
Robert and I were at the sneakers table looking for a suitable pair of size 12 shoes when all of a sudden the second grader runs full speed slamming right into Robert, his older brother. This “second grader” is actually a giant five year old named Andre who was heading into kindergarten later this month. He wanted to be with his big brother while he did his shopping. So the three of us became a ‘back to school shopping Tribe’. Sweet!
It was now time to find shoes for Andre, which was a good thing because his canvas sneakers were barely hanging on by a thread. Each shoe had at least three holes in them. He was like a kid in a candy store overlooking the table of shoes of mostly brand new shoes (some were gently worn). He checked out several pairs but only tried on one, jumped up and down and then told us, “I’ll take these.”
Now it was on to the school supplies and I asked Robert what his favorite subject was. It was the same answer every other student provided: science. “Science?”, I thought. They must be really pulling out the bells and whistles these days. But anyway, our conversation must have prompted Andre to think about the actual “school” part of the experience, which got him asking questions. Andre looked around the gymnasium taking it in from a 360′ view. He stopped to ask me, “is this where kindergarten is going to be?” I told him no, chuckling inside, and said that Robert might be going to this school and kindergarten would probably be elsewhere. He got straight to the heart of the matter then, “well, can I come here to play basketball?”. I told him probably and he would he have to ask his teacher. He then wanted to know if I was going to be his teacher, which put a huge grin on my face.
We continued shopping for school supplies which Robert dutifully breezed through while Andre was another story. He wanted to make sure every single piece of his supplies was in good order before they were placed into his brand new book bag, and ideally, either yellow or orange, his favorite colors. I found his fastidiousness amusing and noted that Robert’s patience with his younger brother should be an example to us all. He was so good in looking after his little brother.
It was now time to wind down our shopping experience and we all walked to the exit. I said goodbye to Robert with a high five and wished him all the best in his last year of high school. I waved goodbye to Andre who was well ahead at the door exiting already. He turned around and said, “Ok, bye. See you later.”
The Spirit of Giving Back to School Bash is likely something you just have experience to fully grasp how heartwarming it is. It’s an experience I won’t soon forget and I hope to see “little” Andre again at next year’s bash.
