What are you having for dinner? I can tell you what the Vinson’s are having because my wife, Cristy, planned out our busy week with healthy meals that include family favorites. For as long as I can remember, I have fond memories around the dinner table that include chats with my family and healthy meals. I was raised by depression era parents and the blessing before our meal was truly a moment of thanks for food and family. My parents didn’t take the basic necessities for granted and raised me with those same values.
Many families struggle to meet basic needs and Wylie ISD is not immune to hunger. I am especially proud of one of our own teachers, Wylie East Advanced Placement English Teacher, Amy May, who shared her story about a time not so long ago when food was scarce and humbly depending on others was a necessity. Mrs. May courageously reminds us that hunger and need doesn’t have a single face. It also reminds me that what we provide the food bank may be as important as the donation itself.
Needs like these are something we must teach our kids to recognize and have the kindness and urgency to address. During this 9 weeks, the Wylie Way turns its focus on the values of caring and giving to others. We learn these values by practicing them. The Wylie Christian Care Center is the local food bank to our area. Annually, our entire school district focuses on providing much needed food items to feed our neighbors. Proudly, the Wylie Independent School District is the single biggest provider of food to this wonderful organization. Last year, our kids provided more than 100,000 food items. The value of the Christian Care Center is that our kids get the chance to directly impact the very students our district serves. By giving to this organization, we are teaching our kids the value of giving to their neighbor.
Today marks the beginning of our Wylie ISD food drive that will continue through November 9. During this time, we encourage you to send canned food with your child to school. We have lots of fun competitions between campuses, but the real winners are the local folks in need that we provide assistance. Please take some time and intentionally talk with your kids about hunger and shop for items that your kids would like to share with another student. Remind them of the value and importance of caring and giving for others.
What I love the most about our Wylie ISD family is that our light shines brightest when we are helping others. It reminds me that the biggest impact for change we can make is next door, across the street and in our community. Caring, giving and loving our neighbor is the Wylie Way! Thanks in advance for your help!
