22 Backpacks, 25 Kids, One Big Impact

“I love people more than money and things,” said a second grader as she decided to give 100% more that Friday. 

“This year we started a Giving program, in partnership with Gateway Relief Initiative,” the school director said. “Students are learning about giving to others by donating some of their school economy earnings to a specific project.” Each Friday students are encouraged to give 10% but are told, “You can give what your heart feels is right.” School economy earnings are “dollars” students earn for doing jobs in their classroom or around the school. At the school “store” they can buy pencils and notebooks, as well as donated treats, like candy. 

The partnering relief organization gives backpacks filled with school supplies and shoes to children in rural areas. “The whole school has really loved this, and we have seen the hearts of students grow towards giving and helping others,” the school director notes. 

Parents have even started seeing their children give more at home when they talk about giving to the church and supporting people in need. 

“To date our students have given 22 backpacks filled with school supplies and shoes. To put that into context: We have 25 students, and each week 10% of their ‘salary’ would be 6 school dollars per student and one backpack is 180 school dollars.” So far this school year, these 25 students have raised the equivalent of 3,960 school dollars!