07/28/2026
Today, I’ve found myself slowing down and reflecting on everything that happened during our Back to School Shop Days event.
I keep replaying it all in my mind.
The late nights. The endless loads of laundry. The mountains of clothes that had to be sorted, folded, and organized. The fundraising. The phone calls. The planning. The moments of wondering if we would have enough. The laughter. The exhaustion. The smiles on the faces of students and their families.
And every time I think about it, I come back to the same feeling…
I am humbled.
Not because of what we accomplished, but because of the people who made it possible.
I watched a community love people they may never meet again. I watched people give when no one was watching. I watched volunteers sacrifice their evenings, their weekends, and their energy because they believed every child deserved to start school with confidence. I watched businesses, churches, organizations, families, and individuals come together, not because they had to, but because they wanted to make a difference.
That is something you can’t put a price on.
Were there things that didn’t go exactly as planned? Absolutely. There are things we’ll change, improve, and do differently next year. Every event teaches us something new.
But one thing I pray never changes is the heart behind it all.
This event was never just about clothes, shoes, or school supplies. It was about reminding families that they matter. It was about showing students that an entire community believes in them. It was about neighbors loving neighbors.
That is what made this event a success.
To every person who donated, volunteered, sponsored, shared a post, prayed, encouraged us, or simply believed in what we were trying to do…thank you. You became part of something much bigger than any one person or organization.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude.
So today, I’m not thinking about how tired I am. I’m thinking about what can happen when ordinary people come together with extraordinary hearts.
Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for believing in our students. Thank you for proving that kindness is still alive and that this community is capable of incredible things.
Now…let’s dream even bigger.
Because I have a feeling this is only the beginning.
