Learning to Give Back

Posted: December 7, 2017 | Author: Admin | Category: Student Life

Learning to Give Back

Studies show and Christian school leaders agree that two very important components in the spiritual formation of students are that they learn the principals of gratitude and service. It is important for them to realize how blessed they are to live here in America and appreciate it. They also need to learn to give back to others through service. Through the years, this has become an intentional focus of Indian Rocks Christian School. One very big area where we attempt this is the mission trips that we take each March. That will be another blog for another time.

A Christmas project that our National Honor Societies head up every year is an initiative we call Angel Boxes. Angel Boxes are shoe box sized gift boxes that are collected and assembled by our students and then distributed to foster children in Pinellas County. Over the past 18 years the students at IRCS have raised around $198,000 to help bless this “forgotten group” at Christmas time. There are over 8000 foster teens in Florida with around 500 of them residing right here in Pinellas County. Teenagers in foster care have little to no input in decisions made about them or for them. They are only allotted $300 per year to cover their clothing, shoes, school supplies, outerwear, or special events such as a prom, Homecoming, etc. Having the ability or the resources to go to a fast-food restaurant or a movie is rare in their lives. While we cannot solve all of the difficulties foster teens face, we can make a difference in the lives of some.

In each box we try to include an ESV Bible; notes of encouragement; a $25 gift card to Target or Walmart; a flash drive for schoolwork and picture storage; small school supplies such as nice pens, mechanical or regular pencils, Post-It notes, and highlighters; a $10 movie pass to a local movie theatre; $10 fast food gift cards; a toothbrush and toothpaste; and some Christmas candy. These items help foster teens to have some essential things without spending their own money. It gives them the ability to make some decisions in their own lives. It also shows them that through the giving and service of students, there is a Heavenly Father that loves them and cares about them.

This year’s goal is to assemble 100 boxes for distribution. Additionally we are attempting to put together 100 Pack-a-Sack stockings for students in three local elementary schools that our church ministers to. These stockings include gift cards, school supplies, a book, a note of encouragement and an $8 voucher to their school’s book fair. For many of these students it is the first opportunity they have ever had to shop at a book fair.

This amounts to approximately $7,800 needed to complete all of the boxes and stockings. The Bibles have already been purchased but there is still much to do. Maybe you would like to be a part of helping to bless others at Christmas. You may have a business that could use a tax write-off or you just feel compelled to do something yourself. Donations can be made on line by going to the school website – www.ircs.org and going to the “Giving” drop down menu and selecting “Angel Boxes/Pack-a-Sack” or sending gifts into the school office. Perhaps you aren’t able to contribute financially but would be willing to pray for this project. When completed, not only are foster teens and elementary students blessed, but so are our students as they see God provide an unthinkable gift to give to those who truly are in need during this very special season.

by Perry R. Banse, Assistant Superintendent, Middle/High School Principal

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