I am currently a Corps Member in Americorps NCCC within a team of 10 others who have dedicated their time and energy to serving communities around the U.S.  We are currently in New Orleans, working with the Recovery School District assisting in various projects to better the education environment for the students of New Orleans.  Recently our Americorps team decided to develop a school supply drive for the RSD, asking for any donations, ranging from pencils to sports equipment.

While passing out flyers to local businesses for the drive, I stepped into the Party Basket, a festive party supply store. I began explaining the need for school supplies to Shannon Able and she jumped at the opportunity to donate supplies. She said would be giving me a call when all the supplies were put together. I received a call early the next morning informing me that the donations were ready to be picked up. Shannon had given us an estimate of 6 to 7 boxes of stationary and a bundle full of gift wrap that could be used for arts and crafts.

With this generous donation, we envisioned a project involving students sending letters to those serving over seas in the military. Not only will this engage the children in writing and literacy, geography and global relations but, give those receiving the letters a feeling of hope, honor and a sense of home.

Andre Bennett Americorps NCCC Gold2