KazanToday Posts Feel Good Story About SOH (October 23, 2017)
KazanToday.com ran a story about our students from last year and their Sacks of Hope project. Hoping it will lead others to try something similar. |
"Good Turns" Blog Spreads Our Story (July 21, 2017)
Each week on The Good Turns Blog they post a story of a good deed or an act of kindness. They thought our Sacks of Hope Project was worthy of sharing with others. Feel free to check it out here.
Each week on The Good Turns Blog they post a story of a good deed or an act of kindness. They thought our Sacks of Hope Project was worthy of sharing with others. Feel free to check it out here.
Sprigeo.com Recognized Us For Hero Project (5/26/17)
Sprigeo is a site focused on keeping kids safe. Every few months they spotlight a person, group or project for their "Hero Project". Last week they interviewed Mr. Lewandowski and some of his students for their Sacks of Hope project. If you get a moment, check it out here. |
Santa Barbara Independent Piece (5/25/17)
Life Vest Inside Makes SOH Its "Daily Kind" (5/24/17)
Orly Wahba is the author of Kindness Boomerang, a book I read this year. She also runs the site, LifeVestInside.com. Each day she sends an email out to the subscribers that is very similar to a page in her book with a kindness quote, act, positive affirmation, as well as kindness media. Today, in her issue #307, Sacks of Hope made her kindness media. Take a look at the page, and check out the site.
Orly Wahba is the author of Kindness Boomerang, a book I read this year. She also runs the site, LifeVestInside.com. Each day she sends an email out to the subscribers that is very similar to a page in her book with a kindness quote, act, positive affirmation, as well as kindness media. Today, in her issue #307, Sacks of Hope made her kindness media. Take a look at the page, and check out the site.
KarmaTube Loves SOH (5/23/17)
KarmaTube is a site that brings inspirational stories to light using the internet and videos. Thay thought that our journey was worth spotlighting. Take a look at their page here. |
The Independent's SOH Story (5/9/17)
Check out the story that The Santa Barbara Independent ran on our Sacks of Hope Project. Thank you, Independent, for spreading the word!
http://www.independent.com/news/2017/may/09/franklin-elementarys-random-acts-kindness/
Check out the story that The Santa Barbara Independent ran on our Sacks of Hope Project. Thank you, Independent, for spreading the word!
http://www.independent.com/news/2017/may/09/franklin-elementarys-random-acts-kindness/
Newest Version Of Video (4/28/17)
If you saw our Sacks of Hope video, thanks for watching, but you should see this re-edited version (4 min). Tells the story more clearly, and shows the recipients. Thank you Forrest for all the work you put into it!
If you saw our Sacks of Hope video, thanks for watching, but you should see this re-edited version (4 min). Tells the story more clearly, and shows the recipients. Thank you Forrest for all the work you put into it!
The Recipients (4/25/17)
Just wanted to share some images of the folks who received our Sacks of Hope on Friday.
Just wanted to share some images of the folks who received our Sacks of Hope on Friday.
Sacks of Hope Building Day! (4/21/17)
It was one of the most incredible and memorable days I've had in twenty years in the classroom. I wanted to show you some photos of our Sack-Building Event. Three sacks per kid, each with a different theme: outside - sleeping bag, lantern, socks, hand warmers; toiletries: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, bandaids, dental floss, wash cloths, and lots more; edibles: oatmeal packets, beef jerky, power and granola bars, tea, bottled water, raisins, and more.
These 3rd and 4th graders were so proud of what they had accomplished from a little idea back in September to actually creating these bags for those less fortunate. I heard a lot of this throughout the day, "This is the best day ever," "This is the best Friday," "I don't want this to ever end," "I want to continue with kindness from now on." This is why I teach!
It was one of the most incredible and memorable days I've had in twenty years in the classroom. I wanted to show you some photos of our Sack-Building Event. Three sacks per kid, each with a different theme: outside - sleeping bag, lantern, socks, hand warmers; toiletries: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, bandaids, dental floss, wash cloths, and lots more; edibles: oatmeal packets, beef jerky, power and granola bars, tea, bottled water, raisins, and more.
These 3rd and 4th graders were so proud of what they had accomplished from a little idea back in September to actually creating these bags for those less fortunate. I heard a lot of this throughout the day, "This is the best day ever," "This is the best Friday," "I don't want this to ever end," "I want to continue with kindness from now on." This is why I teach!
We Did It! (4/19/17)
We just got the last item for our Sacks of Hope list. Today The Catholic Church of the Beatitudes of Santa Barbara brought us 25 envelopes with phone cards in them.Just in time for our Friday deadline. You should have heard my students cheer when I told them the list was completed. Thanks to everyone who helped!
We just got the last item for our Sacks of Hope list. Today The Catholic Church of the Beatitudes of Santa Barbara brought us 25 envelopes with phone cards in them.Just in time for our Friday deadline. You should have heard my students cheer when I told them the list was completed. Thanks to everyone who helped!
Just One More To Go! (4/11/17)
Second day in a row that we got goodies from The Catholic Church of the Beatitudes of Santa Barbara. Today they sent over 25 first aid kits. That just leaves one item left on our "Wish List" with only ten more days until we distribute our Sacks. We are soooo close!
Second day in a row that we got goodies from The Catholic Church of the Beatitudes of Santa Barbara. Today they sent over 25 first aid kits. That just leaves one item left on our "Wish List" with only ten more days until we distribute our Sacks. We are soooo close!
A Box of "Gards" (4/10/17)
Today we received a box of Scothgards for our Sacks of Hope. These are helpful to the homeless who have to contend with the rain. It can keep sleeping bags, tents and even clothes water-protected. Thanks so much to The Catholic Church of the Beatitudes of Santa Barbara for raising funds to make this purchase for us!
Today we received a box of Scothgards for our Sacks of Hope. These are helpful to the homeless who have to contend with the rain. It can keep sleeping bags, tents and even clothes water-protected. Thanks so much to The Catholic Church of the Beatitudes of Santa Barbara for raising funds to make this purchase for us!
Double Whammy (4/4/17)
It's wonderful getting back from Spring Break to find two boxes waiting for you, especially when they are Sacks of Hope donations. One of my students wrote to Bigelow Tea, and they send over 100 tea bags for our bags. Another student wrote to Edgewell Personal Care requesting Banana Boat sunscreen. They must have looked us up and seen what else we needed, because they threw in personal wipes as well!
It's wonderful getting back from Spring Break to find two boxes waiting for you, especially when they are Sacks of Hope donations. One of my students wrote to Bigelow Tea, and they send over 100 tea bags for our bags. Another student wrote to Edgewell Personal Care requesting Banana Boat sunscreen. They must have looked us up and seen what else we needed, because they threw in personal wipes as well!
If You Could Only Meat These Folks (3/31/17)
The kind folks at Calvary Chapel in Santa Barbara connected us with the wonderful folks at Shalhoob Meat Co., and I just got back from picking up 25 packages of delicious beef jerky for our Sacks of Hope. Thanks so much Shalhoob and Calvary!
The kind folks at Calvary Chapel in Santa Barbara connected us with the wonderful folks at Shalhoob Meat Co., and I just got back from picking up 25 packages of delicious beef jerky for our Sacks of Hope. Thanks so much Shalhoob and Calvary!
Just About Done (3/15/17)
Tim Tremblay and Tremblay Financial wanted to support Sacks of Hope. So, they made a generous donation months ago so that we could purchase items as we reached the finish line of this project...items not yet donated. So, I had the privilege this week to go shopping, purchasing sunscreen, trail mix, fabric softener sheets and trail mix. We are so close! Thanks Tim and Tremblay Financial.
Tim Tremblay and Tremblay Financial wanted to support Sacks of Hope. So, they made a generous donation months ago so that we could purchase items as we reached the finish line of this project...items not yet donated. So, I had the privilege this week to go shopping, purchasing sunscreen, trail mix, fabric softener sheets and trail mix. We are so close! Thanks Tim and Tremblay Financial.
Today, It Was an Envelope (3/8/17)
I got a letter in my school mailbox today. It was from Clif Bar. One of my students had written them requesting bars for our Sacks of Hope. Although the envelope was thick, it was just a regular business sized envelope, definitely too small for even one bar. My student (and class) was delighted to find 27 coupons for free boxes of Clif Granola Bars. We'll post pics after we redeem the coupons. Thank you Clif!
I got a letter in my school mailbox today. It was from Clif Bar. One of my students had written them requesting bars for our Sacks of Hope. Although the envelope was thick, it was just a regular business sized envelope, definitely too small for even one bar. My student (and class) was delighted to find 27 coupons for free boxes of Clif Granola Bars. We'll post pics after we redeem the coupons. Thank you Clif!
Another Box Showed Up Today (2/24/17)
I love it when a box appears with my name on it. Today's box came from The Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Carpinteria. The manager out there is a great guy. I had asked him if he could donate combs, and he sent not only combs, but wash cloths, shampoo, razors, shaving cream and gallon zip bags. What a wonderful way to share and help those in need. Thanks!
I love it when a box appears with my name on it. Today's box came from The Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Carpinteria. The manager out there is a great guy. I had asked him if he could donate combs, and he sent not only combs, but wash cloths, shampoo, razors, shaving cream and gallon zip bags. What a wonderful way to share and help those in need. Thanks!
Time for Tea (2/10/17)
Today a box came to my school for my class. It had one of my students' names on it. It came from Twinings of London, the tea company that this student wrote to asking for a donation of tea for our project. These guys sent us nearly 100 tea packets! We are so pleased that one of our students' letters could make this possible.
Today a box came to my school for my class. It had one of my students' names on it. It came from Twinings of London, the tea company that this student wrote to asking for a donation of tea for our project. These guys sent us nearly 100 tea packets! We are so pleased that one of our students' letters could make this possible.
Look Who Really Stepped Up Today! (2/2/17)
It wasn't even a month ago when my students wrote letters to businesses across the nation, asking for donations to complete our Sacks of Hope project. One item they had put on the list was sleeping bags. To be honest, I thought this was a bit too lofty, but this was their project. Far be it from me to shoot them down. One of my third graders wrote to Coleman asking for 25 sleeping bags, and a rep from the company called recently from Wichita, KS and told me that they would hip them to us. And, just look at what arrived today: 25 Coleman Stratton sleeping bags as well as 25 Micropacker Lanterns. Absolutely incredible! And, it just so happens I was wearing my Coleman boots today. :)
California Teachers Association Put Us In Print! (February 1, 2017)
We are so excited that California Educator Magazine decided to spotlight us and our project for their January/February edition. If you get a moment, check it out and share it with others who might feel inspired.
We are so excited that California Educator Magazine decided to spotlight us and our project for their January/February edition. If you get a moment, check it out and share it with others who might feel inspired.
An Angel Appeared Today (1/25/17)
Today my students and I were surprised when local posta worker, Erica, came to our class with hot chocolate and homemade cookies. Erica had learned about my class' Sacks of Hope project and decided to do a Random Act of Kindness for the kids for all they had done so far. In the midst of a science quiz, our angel arrived with goodies. The chocolate warmed their bodies on this cold morning, but the gesture warmed our souls. |
The New Year Is Not Disappointing (1/24/17)
Today we had a representative from the society of Zeta Nu show up in class with a bag filled with deodorants for all of our Sacks of Hope as well as a bag filled with more than enough lip balm. What a lovely surprise. The students all applauded.
Today we had a representative from the society of Zeta Nu show up in class with a bag filled with deodorants for all of our Sacks of Hope as well as a bag filled with more than enough lip balm. What a lovely surprise. The students all applauded.
Authentic Writing To Help Sacks of Hope (12/16/16)
This week the students chose companies to write to asking for donations for our Sacks of Hope. We are learning how to construct business letters, so why not write authentic ones that might actually make a difference? Wish us luck; should start hearing back at the end of winter.
image courtesy of https://pixabay.com/en/writing-boy-child-student-kid-711286/
This week the students chose companies to write to asking for donations for our Sacks of Hope. We are learning how to construct business letters, so why not write authentic ones that might actually make a difference? Wish us luck; should start hearing back at the end of winter.
image courtesy of https://pixabay.com/en/writing-boy-child-student-kid-711286/
Surprise Package Today (11/29/16)
It's always so exciting when a package comes in the mail for you. Today, that's just what happened at school. The office manager brought me a big box with the familiar Amazon Smile on it, but I couldn't imagine what was in it. I opened it to find items for our "Sacks of Hope" project: instant oatmeal and granola bars. Who could have sent these? I searched the box...then, I found it, a note from a woman I went to high school with. She too is an educator and had seen my posts on social media and decided to add our needs to her holiday shopping. I am so grateful for all who have helped us!
It's always so exciting when a package comes in the mail for you. Today, that's just what happened at school. The office manager brought me a big box with the familiar Amazon Smile on it, but I couldn't imagine what was in it. I opened it to find items for our "Sacks of Hope" project: instant oatmeal and granola bars. Who could have sent these? I searched the box...then, I found it, a note from a woman I went to high school with. She too is an educator and had seen my posts on social media and decided to add our needs to her holiday shopping. I am so grateful for all who have helped us!
One Woman Helps Us With a Shipment! (11/19/16)
We got a package this week from a wonderful woman who donated wash cloths, journals and pens. It's amazing what individuals are doing for this project. Thank you, Joyce Baxter!
We got a package this week from a wonderful woman who donated wash cloths, journals and pens. It's amazing what individuals are doing for this project. Thank you, Joyce Baxter!
Johnson Family Dental Helps Us and Others (11/18/16)
So, this wonderful woman from Johnson Family Dental emails us and says that their office would like to help us with our project. I tell her we'd love some floss. She says they can throw in some toothbrushes and toothpastes while they're at it. I go by the office today, and was floored: 72 flosses, 30 toothbrushes and almost 50 toothpastes! These guys are the best! I can't wait to share the news with the class after Fall Break. Johnson Family Dental has not only given to our Sacks of Hope project, but they are the ones that do the Dentistry of Love. Next one is February 25, 2017, where they do free filling, extractions or cleaning. These guys are great!
So, this wonderful woman from Johnson Family Dental emails us and says that their office would like to help us with our project. I tell her we'd love some floss. She says they can throw in some toothbrushes and toothpastes while they're at it. I go by the office today, and was floored: 72 flosses, 30 toothbrushes and almost 50 toothpastes! These guys are the best! I can't wait to share the news with the class after Fall Break. Johnson Family Dental has not only given to our Sacks of Hope project, but they are the ones that do the Dentistry of Love. Next one is February 25, 2017, where they do free filling, extractions or cleaning. These guys are great!
Lending a Hand with Warmers (11/14/16)
It's so exciting in our class when someone from the office walks in with a box. Today, we were just starting our math lesson when another delivery arrived. The students try to guess what someone has sent us to help with our "Sacks of Hope" Project. They saw it was sent through UPS, but no other clue. When I showed the the contents, they were elated. Hand warmers was one of the items they weren't sure we'd be able to get a hold of. So, thanks so much to Warmers.com for graciously donating these warmers to our class. We can't wait to pack them in our sacks and get them to those in need.
It's so exciting in our class when someone from the office walks in with a box. Today, we were just starting our math lesson when another delivery arrived. The students try to guess what someone has sent us to help with our "Sacks of Hope" Project. They saw it was sent through UPS, but no other clue. When I showed the the contents, they were elated. Hand warmers was one of the items they weren't sure we'd be able to get a hold of. So, thanks so much to Warmers.com for graciously donating these warmers to our class. We can't wait to pack them in our sacks and get them to those in need.
We Can All Help Those In Need One Way or Another (11/12/16)
Someone shared this YouTube link with me and it reminded me of our Sacks of Hope project. No, the guy wasn't giving out bags of food and necessities, but he was giving out food to those who were hungry. If you can't do Sacks of Hope like us, find a way to make a difference.
Someone shared this YouTube link with me and it reminded me of our Sacks of Hope project. No, the guy wasn't giving out bags of food and necessities, but he was giving out food to those who were hungry. If you can't do Sacks of Hope like us, find a way to make a difference.
Tremblay Financial Decides Sacks of Hope Is Important (11/11/16)
Today, Tim Tremblay of Tremblay Financial Services, learned of our "Sacks of Hope" project, and graciously made a contribution so that we may purchase more items for our project. We feel so thankful that Tremblay Financial Services is backing this kid-run project!
Today, Tim Tremblay of Tremblay Financial Services, learned of our "Sacks of Hope" project, and graciously made a contribution so that we may purchase more items for our project. We feel so thankful that Tremblay Financial Services is backing this kid-run project!
"This Bar Save Lives" Helps (11/8/2016)
One of the first companies that jumped on board with Sacks of Hope was "This Bar Saves Lives." I (Mr. Lewandowski) was watching The Ellen DeGeneres Show when I learned about This Bar Saves Lives. So, I contacted them and asked if they would donate bars for our bags. Without hesitation, they jumped on board and sent us what you see here. You should check out their site. Thanks, This Bar Saves Lives!
One of the first companies that jumped on board with Sacks of Hope was "This Bar Saves Lives." I (Mr. Lewandowski) was watching The Ellen DeGeneres Show when I learned about This Bar Saves Lives. So, I contacted them and asked if they would donate bars for our bags. Without hesitation, they jumped on board and sent us what you see here. You should check out their site. Thanks, This Bar Saves Lives!