Home » And A Little Child Shall Lead Them…

And A Little Child Shall Lead Them…

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Rainbow Village

When 4th grade teacher Sheryne McConnell challenged her students to take time each day to think about what they were grateful for and record them in a gratitude journal, she had no idea what was stirring inside 10-year old Andrew Bacik’s head. He “got it” and was filled with a desire to find ways to share his blessings and pay them forward. Andrew started volunteering with neighborhood friends at Rainbow Village, a transitional housing program in Duluth that helps homeless families with children recover, rebuild and return to a life of self-sufficiency. As Andrew served meals to the families and got to know the kids personally he really wanted to find a way to share his blessings with them more directly.

In February Andrew went to his parents and suggested that instead of having a big birthday party for his 10th birthday where everyone brought him presents, he’d rather have people give something to the kids at Rainbow Village. Andrew shares, “Writing in my gratitude journal at school each day has made me realize how much I have. I didn’t need more toys and video games. I really wanted to help my friends at Rainbow Village. I wanted to make them happy too.”

So, with that thought and the help of his parents, Andrew did just that. They sent out emails inviting people to come for an open house style celebration on Andrew’s birthday and drop off gifts and donations to Rainbow Village. They provided a wish list of items that the kids needed in their after-school program and the response was overwhelming! More than 50 people came by that day. Family, friends, and friends-of-friends they didn’t even know that had heard about what Andrew was doing. The most special guest of all though was Ms. McConnell herself, who came with an armful of goodies and tears in her eyes. She reflects, “I cannot tell you how much it meant to see what Andrew had done with my simple lesson of gratitude. As a teacher you sometimes wonder if the message gets through. No doubt this time it did!”

In the end, more than 100 gifts were collected and over $500 in donations. Andrew personally came and presented the gifts to the Rainbow Village kids on Tuesday, March 1st and shared a big birthday cake with them. Everyone was so excited! Michelle Alcorn, the volunteer coordinator that brings Andrew to volunteer on Tuesday nights said, “It is amazing to see how God is shining through Andrew. He’s inspired so many with his giving heart and he’s set a powerful example for the Rainbow Village kids too. No doubt this was a teachable moment for us all!”