2012 Christmas Drive Update and Photos

Christmas Drive pictures and update:

I hardly know where to begin this.  I’ll start by posting the link to the pictures that were taken during Dec 12-20, 2012.  These have been approved by my school district,  so feel free to share:

Alsup 2012 Christmas Drive Pictures Link

I’ll explain now what you were able to do when you reposted my original plea for help to your Facebook wall, sending my email to your friends and family and asking them to forward it as well, and by taking action.  You all took action for a group of children that you’ve only heard of from me.  I know I’ve said this before, but I’m saying it again: YOU are the angels for these kids.  I looked around the playground today and saw kids running around in the coats you bought.  I saw children in jeans that fit them and they were playing basketball without tripping over old shoes, or having to hold up their older brother’s pants.  I saw kids in hats and gloves and throwing footballs that you sent to the school.  Every single child in my classroom returned their homework I assigned over break.  They finished it with the pencils and crayons you provided, cuddled under the blankets you sent.  As they were talking to each other about what Santa brought, I heard two kids saying things like, “Santa didn’t come to my house because my parents didn’t have any money, but he came here so that was okay.”  I overheard one child say to another teacher, “My Christmas was here at school.  We didn’t have one at home.” I tried to imagine what it would have been like for these kids if you HADN’T taken the action you did, and it hurts my heart to even think about it, so I haven’t.

I just want to thank you.  For all the smiles, for the love, for the generosity, for the amazing spirit and soul that you gave to not only my class, not only the entire second grade, but to my entire school.  I saw 5^th grade girls proudly walking into school today in the “new” clothes that you provided for them, I saw little kindergarten boys zipping up their new coats, and I saw smiles.  I got more hugs from parents today, more “thank you” letters, and more contented faces than I’ve ever seen on the first day back from winter break.  I don’t know how to convey my gratitude any more than to just tell you that the action of you, your family, and your friends has created joy beyond belief here in Commerce City that will last long after Christmas has past.  I offer my heart-felt “thank you” to you all.  You have done more good than you can possibly know.  These kiddos will be forever changed…as will I.

Please forward this to anyone and everyone who you think may have helped.  They need to see what they have done.  Thank you.