It is one thing to donate a gift or collect canned food. Both being of the utmost importance especially around the holidays, where it is a simple gesture to ensure a long lasting memory. But when something happens unexpectedly, unbeknownst to you, it is humbling, a bit embarrassing, but the most amazing, compassionate gesture you can imagine. Word of mouth, a community coming together to offer support and genuine love and sense of family. It can be bewildering and overwhelming when it is happening around you and you have no idea how to respond. When parents and students align and the unimaginable occurs. This is generosity at its best because it comes unsolicited and unity of community makes it all possible.
As educators we talk a lot about building a positive school culture and at times of struggle or despair that is when the true colors of a school are shining. A time when all families are treated with respect and together help those in need. I do not like to think of it as charity, but honorable generosity. At a time when many take things for granted it is a beautiful thing to see students stepping forward on their own merit to help a family in need. It is a beautiful thing when there is no judgement only veneration and love. So this Christmas remember the little things mean the most. The compassion we show may not be reciprocated but it is very much appreciated.
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