A True Lifetime Investment

This week I have been reminded of the power of investing in students. About a month ago, I posted a request to help purchase books for a school in rural South Carolina so that every student could get a free one at the school book fair. Within 48 hours, we had over 180 people donate for a total of $6900. In addition, serendipitously, a local school that was doing a book drive heard about our campaign. From the success of their work, they provided 15 boxes of books to donate as well. To everyone who contributed, we are deeply grateful!

Yesterday, Ellen and I visited the school to deliver those donated books and meet with some of the school leaders. As we toured the classrooms, we were overwhelmed with the gratitude and joy the students shared with us about receiving their books. Their smiles melted our hearts and confirmed the power of literature in children’s lives.

Lately, I must confess that I have been a bit discouraged by all the negative rhetoric about the state of education in our country. However, with our visit this week, my spirit has been renewed by seeing the promise and potential in the faces of those children. Yes, there are significant issues that need to be addressed, but great things are happening still in schools across the nation. I am convinced that our future is brighter than is sometimes depicted. It encourages me to remember that every investment in our students will pay dividends for years to come.