Madrona Elementary sends thanks

Dear Soles4Souls,



I would like to give a heartfelt "thank you" to your organization and to the people who work with all of you. I am a teacher at SeaTac, WA at Madrona Elementary. We were very blessed through the work of our friend, Joy Laegrid, to receive 60 pairs of shoes from your group and my students were overwhelmed with joy.



The students who attend Madrona have to deal with a variety of hardships daily. Some of these situations involve short supplies of food, clothing and housing. Many also live in neighborhoods that are unsafe and scary to children. Several of our families have parents who are now or have been in the penitentiary system, so they are not able to have familial support on a daily basis. Our students also have a great responsibility to interpret and deal with adult situations for their families and friends.



For our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students we have started a running/walking club called WISH, so they can learn about healthy nutrition and exercise and see that through clubs and teams they have an opportunity for many great experiences in life. My students were so very happy and excited to receive your generous donation of shoes. They were jumping up and down and prizing these shoes above all others. They didn't want to get them dirty but they wanted to wear them for special events, too.



As an educator and community member, I cannot say "thank you" enough. The joy and help that your organization brought us was overwhelming and amazing. I really want my students to see that we all can make a difference in this world, helping people, showing kindness and doing good. It doesn't matter if we know each person individually, all that matters is that our good deeds touch the lives of many. Thank you for showing them that we can all help each other and that we do it from our hearts without any personal motives.



I hope you enjoy their messages and please know that we will always be grateful and touched by your help, encouragement and kindness to everyone.



Sincerely,

Michelle Brees

SeaTac, WA