…and Social Media. This post could also be called, “Working Towards a Common Goal, part 2”. Last night I received an email from my principal, regarding a last-minute food drive that she wanted to organize for our school today:
“…Given the snow; the impact on parents being able to work; and, the closure of schools so that students are not receiving breakfast and lunch, we would like to quickly organize a food drive for our families and the surrounding areas.” … “I know it is very last minute, but we will be collecting food on Thursday from 9:00-2:30 at Padonia…”
I knew I had to help out. I had scheduled a yoga class near my school anyway, so my plan was to stop at Walmart afterwards. This morning I posted information on our school’s Facebook page. My principal, assistant principal, and colleagues posted on their Facebook pages, Twitter pages, and neighborhood websites. A message was added to the electric signage outside the school. The news certainly spread fast. By the time I arrived at the school around noon, there were bags and boxes filled to top, of all different types of foods. Several people came to drop of various items, and some stayed to help organize the food into categories. We also had a cart full of hats, gloves, and other winter gear for our students in need.
My principal sent out a follow-up email to share the success of the food drive. In just a few hours, we collected enough food to provide a week of meals for over 20 families, from our school and neighboring schools! In her email, my principal also included a quote that really sums it up:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead.