A little disappointed

purple_magada

purple_magada

Cathlete
I work as an administrative assistant to the Spec Ed Director at a school district. On Monday (4/25) one of our students passed away. This little boy was only 9 and he battled with leukemia for 5 years. Last year he had a bone marrow transplant that left him legally blind. I never had the pleasure to meet this amazing little guy b/c he was hospitalized so much. For the past year or so he was in a children's hospital and received his education there so he never went to school here at this school district. He was enrolled with us and we were working on setting him up on a summer program and he was going to start in the fall at the elem school. His teacher from the hospital would call every week to check in and I got to know so many wonderful things about this little boy. He was only 9 but yet he made out a will and requested that his mom donate "boredom boxes" to other children that are hospitalized. I spoke to my boss and thought it would a would be a nice gesture if we could raise some money to give to his mom so she could follow through with his wishes. An e-mail was sent out and do you know how much money I"ve collected? $35 whopping bucks. That is it. $5 from our superintendent and the rest from 6 of us girls in the office. This is what I find so dissappointing. Over 50+ people recieved the e-mail but yet nobody donated. If people are selling cookies or donuts or candles, etc. it seems like they're lined up to buy them but when it comes to donating a few bucks in honor of a brave little boy who found for his life, it is ignored. I'm sure that his mother would appreciate any donations we give her, but what does that say about the employees of this school? Out of all the people her all we are giving her is $35.

Sorry to go on like this but it has me bummed out. :(
 
Oh, wow, I can see why you'd be so disappointed!

Would the PTA be willing to sponsor a fundraiser to raise money for this special cause? It seems like he was such a sweet and wonderful kid.

PM me your address and I'd be more than happy to make a donation in honor of his memory.

Angie
 
Me too! I'd love to help!

~Wendy~

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img]
EDD: 05/19/05
 
You girls are so sweet but I just thought I'd have more support from our schoool.

If you ever have the opportunity, please donate to your local children's hospital. Boredom boxes are decorated shoe boxes filled with odds n ends (like clay, playdoh, etc) to help pass the time for this sick kiddos.
 
I don't know of the nearest children's hospital to me but I do donate to St Judes and also the the March of Dimes often. Anything I can do for the kids. They are our world.

~Wendy~

I smoked my last cigarette on March 17, 2004 at 10:00 pm!

http://lilypie.com/days/050519/1/0/1/-5/.png[/img]
EDD: 05/19/05
 
This is really a cool idea. I spent a lot of time in the hospital when I was younger and these boxes would have been a welcome diversion! Hmmmmmmm......this would be a great project to get my kids involved in.....

Angie
 
Hi Dana,

This would require a little work on your part, but if you really want to get more donations for this, I would suggest soliciting people face-to-face, or putting a container for donations in a very prominent and heavily traveled but secure location where people could easily contribute.

The reason I say this is that we very often get emails for various charities to make donations, buy raffle tickets, etc, at my workplace and I'll read something and say to muself "gee, I'll have to remember to go see so-and-so for that". The reality is, I'll often forget to go make the donation because I get caught up in work.

I would bet that this may be the situation in you workplace. Most people aren't heartless, just busy. When asked f2f for a donation, they'd most likely give.

Maybe you could send out another email? Just a thought...

Good luck.
 
I want to help too. It is disappointing that you had little support from your school but we can help make this little boy's last wish come true. Let us help. Where can we send a donation? Also, the idea about soliciting face to face is a good one.
 
I live in Canada but would love to help or get something going up here. post your email and I'll send you a note and maybe we can talk.
 
Dana,

I'd be really disappointed too. What a tragedy! I know that most poeple don't have excess cash, but for something like this, a donation is so worth it. Maybe you could create a flyer or something. Anything to get the word out! Emphasize that every little bit helps!

Good luck!
 
Have you thought of calling your local news station as a human interest story? Maybe they could help raise awareness and get the ball rolling. I'd of course first ask his parents.
 
I can see why you'd be disappointed.

Suggestion: How about getting the classes themselves to assemble boredom boxes? Our school each year does several Samaritan Purse boxes. I think if people heard your story, stories about the boy or any of the # of children in hospital, people would give. Sometimes giving $$$ is difficult but slipping a can of playdough in with the grocery bill is easy enough for any family. It also would open kids' eyes to a life different and harder than their own. Just a suggestion.

Trish
 
>Have you thought of calling your local news station as a
>human interest story? Maybe they could help raise awareness
>and get the ball rolling. I'd of course first ask his
>parents.

that is a GREAT idea!

I'd be disappointed as well :( I would either send another email or maybe post a little notice in the teacher's room (is there like a lounge where everyone goes?) with a box for collections. Perhaps they didn't realize there was a deadline? That is the perfect excuse for sending another email! "Just a quick follow up to my first email that we are collecting donations for ______'s Bordeom Boxes." If you intend to donate, please do so by May ___, 2005." Personally, I would also put something in there that the response has been slim so far and you are hoping that "the great people of this school?" can raise a significant amount of money by the deadline (or something like that in a politically correct way), but I tend to be a little pushy }(

Christine :)
 
If you do it by e-mail, include a suggestion to use Paypal and a special e-mail address to send the money to. That way people can donate right then and there.
 
Dana, I feel your pain. When something is near and dear to you, it seems like we want others to empathize and feel as strongly as we do. The sad fact is everybody doesn't feel this way. I think most people are compassionate and caring, but everybody is caught up in their own lives. I lost a lifelong friend from breast cancer late last year, she was only 31. I did a fundraiser for her and raised a little bit of money, but I expected a lot more. Anyway, I think this is a great idea-Boredom Boxes. What a tragedy for a precious nine year old boy. Life is definitely unpredictable. I will continue to look at this thread so I can donate too. :) :)

Lori
 
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