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"I have used the services of Oasis for several years. However, this year I have been at Kenly Elementary for the first time. The need here is greater than I have ever experienced. There are three families in particular that have touched my heart. For one thing they are good children. The mothers of two of the families work but obviously have a great deal of difficulty clothing their children. School uniforms are definitely an issue. I have given Oasis donated clothes to most of the children but have had to make second trips to Oasis in order to get the right sizes for the rest. Even though I have had to have some wait a week, the children seemed to understand. However, a first grader kept asking when he was going to get his shoes. When I was finally able to deliver them he was so excited. He proudly displayed them. The ones that he had on had holes in them. Several days later he continued to let me know that he was wearing his new shoes. Of course I am only the middleman. You are the heroes for these children and I just want you to know how much you are appreciated."
Social Worker, Kenley Elementary Do you have a story to tell? If so, we'd love to hear it. Please contact Jaclyn Lambert at jaclyn@mail.usf.edu. |
"On September 15, 2011, a first grade teacher stopped me in the hallway and asked me if I still had the ability to obtain clothing for students in need. I stated yes and she proceeded to tell me about a female student in her class who missed a day of school earlier that week because she did not have clean clothes to wear. I told her that I happen to have some uniform clothing in my office and would check to see if I had the child’s size.
I went to the classroom to pick up the student and she was wearing a shirt that was too small and tight and the zipper on the pants was broken and the button would not fasten because the pants were too small. She accompanied me to my office and we found a few shirts and bottoms for her to try on. She was so excited to try on the clothes. As I was waiting for her outside of the bathroom, she peeked her head out the door and asked me if I could help her zip up the back of the dress. I walked in to zip up her dress and noticed she did not have underwear on or socks. I asked her why she did not have underwear and she stated they were dirty and did not have clean ones. An overwhelming sense of sadness came upon me and I had to hold back my tears. I knew Oasis had new underwear so I told her that I was going to obtain a few packs for her so she would always have clean underwear and socks to wear. She smiled and continued to try on the clothes. Some of the clothing fit her and I told her she could have them. She thanked me and gave me a hug. After school that afternoon, I drove to Oasis and was able to obtain two packs of underwear, pack of socks, two pairs of shorts, and a cute outfit for picture day. I also obtained toothpaste, toothbrush, body lotion, deodorant, and laundry detergent. The following day I gave her the items and she could not believe all the items that were in the bag. She told me that she wanted to write me a thank you note. Later on that day, her teacher came to me and told me that the student was so thankful. I called the parent at the end of the day to introduce myself and explain why I provided the items to her family. She said thank you and was overwhelmed with emotion. We talked on the phone for a few minutes and she stated she wanted to come to the school to meet me and give me a hug. I told her open house is this Friday and I would love to meet her then. Now when this student sees me, she smiles and gives me a hug. Thanks to Oasis, I was able to help this family and help this student have a great start to a new school year." Social Worker, Riverhills Elementary BACK |
