For 3rd quarter projects, Brad's teacher decided to step away from American Indians and have the 5th graders do service projects instead. They were able to choose anything they wanted to do, as long as she approved it first. Brad decided that he would like to do a food drive for a local pantry called The Well.

He made a poster to advertise and inform the congregation of what items were most needed. After church on Sunday, he stood by the door. He also had fliers that his buddies helped him pass out.

The next week, he arrived early to set up a table to collect the food that came in. This is the Sunday I was in Haiti, so I didn't get to see him in action. So thankful for the pictures!

He was stunned to realize that by the time it was over he had collected seven boxes and three grocery sacks full. I don't think he ever expected to get that much.

Here he is delivering the goods.

The folks at The Well were very appreciative and encouraging. Brad mentioned that he would like to do it again, and they told him to keep it coming. They said that they fed over 900 families in our area last year, and that summer is the slowest time for collection, so they encouraged him to do it again in a few months.

Brad said that he learned through this experience that it really feels good to help others. What better lesson could I hope for out of a school project?

Here he is giving his presentation in class yesterday.

His speech began with 1 John 3:17-18. "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

That's my boy. :)