A few days ago we shared with our readers the story of the student activists in Quincy, MA. and how our tzedakah investment helps them achieve their tikkun olam goals of changing the world. Read on to see how our gifts of stamps and office supplies were received. No question that this is one of the "biggest bangs for the tzedakah buck" that we get!

Dear Naomi,

YES!!!!!

The box from Staples arrived promptly, containing EVERYTHING on our Wish list. The box was promptly opened and the tools it contained were put into use immediately as the kids made posters for spreading the word inside the school about this year’s projects: Haiti relief and homes/families for Ethiopian Orphans. Letters were also written to communicate with our 2009-2010 partners in these efforts: Partners in Health; St. Boniface Haiti Foundation and Selamta/Ethiopia. It has been hectic at Broad Meadows Middle School since the arrival of all that colorful, artistic effort and letter writing action.

Before the box was opened, I asked grade 8 leaders Julie Bloomer, Matt Baldwin and Brandi Isaacs to explain to the after school activism group why we were getting box mail. Brandi in particular told of the long history between The Quincy Kids and Danny, Naomi, Ziv and The Good People Fund. Brandi is quite aware of the history. I was very proud of her telling. I added a few stories as well. The students were humbled.

Then, the boxes were opened.

The tools inside the Staples boxes and USPS envelope were greeted with cheers as Matt and Brandi carefully removed them one by one. I’ve never seen envelopes and white out get cheers before, but now I can say it did happen. Out came markers, highlighters, pens, stamps, poster board, and more. Yippees and oh yeahs filled the air. Each tool’s potential energy was cheered. Then a surprise was removed from the box: candy and pretzels! For the remainder of the 90 minute meeting, the room was filled with the sounds of kids working in groups, tools in hand and candy in mouths. When I walked around the classroom admiring the letters and posters, several students told me they were thinking about how lucky Broad Meadows Middle School is. Broad Meadows invites students to try to change the world each school year. My favorite was this: "Strangers send office tools so students can spread the word inside and outside the school that change is possible."

You will soon receive a thank you from the Broad Meadows students. In the meantime, please accept my sincerest thanks for igniting a frenzy of awareness raising on paper and on poster board.

Thank you so very much for your unwavering belief in, encouragement and support of The Quincy Kids who are dedicated to improving children’s lives far away every school year. Without your help, that goal would be much more difficult to achieve.

Gratefully,

Ron Adams, teacher advisor
The Quincy Kids: A School for Iqbal
and
Operation: Day’s Work-USA