Crayons Made an Impact on our Common Ground Schools

As they headed back to the classroom this week, each child in all five of our Common Ground schools started off the new school year with a fresh box of crayons. That may sound like a little thing to you, but to the children who received the crayons, a sense of worthiness was bestowed. To the principals and teachers who received the crayons, the donation meant extra funds to spend on other classroom needs – $1,700 to be exact. “Crayons from Common Ground -- how cool is that?” exclaimed one Kempton Elementary teacher when she saw the bags of crayons arrive. Boxes of paper were also distributed to the schools, where copy paper is a prized commodity.

More than 2,600 boxes of crayons and over 100 reams of paper were collected by the three congregations that make up the Common Ground Collaborative. Even though we represent different denominations, the members of Common Ground work together as one community of faith to give our time, skills, and resources to nurture the children in impoverished public schools.

The impact felt by Common Ground’s donations, however, has not stopped at the elementary schools in Spring Valley. Like a rainbow of colors arching across the county, a small business supply shop in Coronado has become connected with our mission. When additional crayons and paper were needed to supplement your donations, Matt Bartell, a former U.S. Marine and owner of Business Products Express, jumped in to help. His compassion for those in need is at the top of his business expertise. He is personable and goes the extra mile in giving to others.

Crayon donations, Matt Bartell’s generosity, and the work of the teachers of our Common Ground schools are all perfect examples of loving others the way that Christ has loved us. As the ripple of influence expands, we may never know the full impact of the gift of a single box of crayons.

-- Please remember Business Products Express at 1019 C Avenue in Coronado for your office supplies, office furniture, computers, printers, software, and janitorial supplies. Guaranteed low prices. Phone: (619) 522-0211