The Heartfelt Back to School event was held on Saturday, August 28, 2004 and was a real success. We invited 500 underprivileged school aged children from all over the city and county of Los Angeles to come to us and share a fun-filled day. They came on buses, in cars, on foot, and by city transportation.
Once they entered our “sphere”, through a huge multi-colored balloon archway, they were given a Passport which would be stamped at every activity they participated in. That way, they couldn’t just come in, get their school supplies and go — they needed to participate in the fun activities that were waiting for them.
And participate they did! The fabulous activities included: pony rides, a Moon Bounce, exploring a Santa Monica fire truck and/or police car and meeting the officers, dancing to the tunes of a live DJ, arts and crafts, face painting (very popular), a story time area, inspirational speakers, ball tossing game booths, food and drinks (like delicious chocolate cheesecake), and the hit of the day — a Farmer John chuck wagon which served over 1400 hot dogs in a three-hour period!! These kids like their dogs!
In order to receive a backpack filled with school supplies, the child’s Passport had to show at least 5 visits to a different area, and have their Polaroid photo completing it. We were hoping this would keep them from feeling like they were just coming to get a hand out. The kids loved having their pictures taken, and by the time they had done 5 fun activities, the child was hooked and they stayed all day! We also had a little over 100 wonderful, joyful volunteers who coached, inspired, encouraged, and cheered the kids into smiles and giggles.
The “loaves and fishes” worked overtime with this event, because after taking enough supplies for a bit more than 500 kids, and distributing school supplies all day long, it seems we brought back enough school supplies for another 500 kids! It was pretty amazing. Therefore, the following week Heartfelt was able to invite even more agencies to come and get new backpacks and school supplies for their children in need. Heartfelt’s goal is that the children who are the most fragile in our society can start off their school year feeling proud and strong and ready to create a successful school year for themselves. The Foundation was privileged to reach more than 900 children this year!
The event was a success for the kids and their families who were served, as well as for the volunteers. Here are comments from some of the volunteers:
I made it a point to go up to many of the kids who’d just received their new backpacks and ask to have a look. I admired each one, patting them on the back and saying things like ‘Wow, what a cool backpack!’ and ‘Hey, Spiderman! Wow, what a great backpack you’ve got! He’s ready for school!’ The pride I saw on the faces of the kids with their huge smiles, the value they received by being celebrated and given to with such enthusiasm, and the generous spirit of the day, all combined to make it a real blessing to be there. Thank you Heartfelt. I’ll be back.
K.M.
The interactions with the kids were so tremendously fun and uplifting. I forgot all my aches and pains and received so much light & love that day. There is no way to give more than you receive. Thank you Heartfelt!
B.W.
UPCOMING HEARTFELT SERVICE PROJECTS:
THANKSGIVING, November 20th, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Once again we will be distributing food baskets to hundreds of families in need. Please participate as a basket-donor this year, and join us in providing a day of sharing blessings and gratitude with those who have so little. We can’t do this huge project without you!
CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY, December 18th, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
This year will find us sharing our joy with hundreds of children living in downtown Los Angeles – many of whom are homeless. Santa, toys, food, Christ-cheer! We need your heart and hands to make this a very special holy-day for those so often forgotten.
To participate in/register for these events, please email Heartfelt at: serve@heartfelt.org or call: (310) 829-7857. DO IT EARLY PLEASE, DON’T WAIT TO LET US KNOW! Thanks!
