Fourth-grade friends form ‘Homeless Helpers’
Like the majority of notes written by little girls, this one has a cute background and an adorable bear.
The message, though, is as serious as the group’s mission: “We take your donations and give them to the poor. If you have a donation, bring it to the VCS elementary office. THANKS!”
The Homeless Helpers features six friends — Mia Pierson, 9; Raegan McCormick, 9; Gianna Chavez, 9; Alyssa Sliger, 10; Janae Purvis, 10; and Sloane Veal, 9. All are fourth-graders at Vacaville Christian Schools.
Seems the collaborative was inspired last Christmas, when Mia and her dad, Jim, worked on a community project with his company, Medic Ambulance.
“We collected blankets and drove around and delivered them,” Mia remem
bered. “It impacted my life.”
“We made meals, handed out blankets,” her dad chimed in, adding that he brought her along to see a different side of life.
“I wanted to show her that (she’s) able to live a good life but there are people who need help,” he said.
When Mia told him how she wanted to continue helping, he was floored.
“I was totally surprised to see her idea. It was really cool to see it take off,” he said.
“We just wanted to help them have a better life,” she explained.
Soon, five of her closest friends signed on and, with the blessing of Principal Dorace Lynch, The Homeless Helpers was born.
The aim is to collect anything local homeless neighbors may need, like socks and food, and then distribute them. Donation bins are placed throughout the school and in the administration office.
For Janae, the group is an extension of the community service she has performed with her mom for the past three years.
“On Saturdays, my mom and I serve at We Love Our City (through The Father’s House),” she shared.
Via FaceTime, Alyssa expressed her thoughts.
“I have a passion for helping others,” she said. “I always want to help others. I’m glad that Mia started this group.”
For Raegan, the group’s mission hits close to home.
“I know people that know that need,” she said, in that her dad, a teacher, had encountered a person in need.
“One of his students became homeless,” she emphasized.
Sloane said the group allows her to lend a hand to someone who needs it.
“I just want to help people help our community,” she said. She’s also made bracelets for an upcoming fundraising opportunity.
The girls applauded Gianna’s input.
“I want homeless people to know that someone cares about them,” she said.
Principal Lynch said she was proud of all the girls for their initiative and their heart for others.
“I love it when kids make an appointment with me and share their ideas,” she said. “It’s very sweet.”
Collections will continue through month’s end and are slated to be distributed in April.