Week 1 - Voluntown Elementary School

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a peaceful holiday full of love and family, good food, and laughter.

I'm so excited that 2012 is underway and my year of giving has begun. When I first came up with this project there is one organization that immediately came to mind and so they will be my first week.

The Voluntown Elementary school is a small, rural, pre-K through 8th grade school in the heart of Pachaug National Forest. I feel blessed in every way that my children can attend this wonderful school. My daughter started in the 3 year old program which came complete with free bus transportation and lunch. She was in a class with 8 other children, one teacher and one aid. We couldn't believe our good fortune being involved in this program. The teachers are loving and kind and the classes are small. We never cease to be amazed at the creative projects and fun activities the kids do on a daily basis.

In July of 2009, my husband was deployed oversees shortly before retiring from the military with 20 years of service. He was held using the Stop Loss program, transferred to a military police unit, and shipped off to Camp Cropper, Iraq. We had planned our family around his military retirement and had a 3 month old son when he was deployed. Although very proud of him, this was a devastating turn of events for our family. I was working, finishing my Master's thesis, and struggling to keep my head above water with a newborn and a 3 year old.

 The staff of the Voluntown Elementary school was incredibly supportive and showed my family such love and support during this difficult time. They sponsored our family at Christmas and showered us with gifts. It was a very touching moment for me to sit around the Christmas tree with my little ones and open the gifts that these compassionate people had so carefully chosen for us. One of them hand-knitted a scarf and mittens for me. They also sent my husband a care package in Iraq for Christmas.

My contribution is small in comparison to what this school has and will continue to provide for my children. This donation will be matched by my company.

Happy 2012!