The Friday Finish – November 22, 2024
Stepping Up to Help – Giving Tuesday Opportunity
Colleen Sturgill, Red Bird Community Health Coordinator, is organizing a blood drive at Red Bird Mission in December, and she shared the following personal story in an email to staff on Monday to remind us what it means to help out our neighbors.
“When I was 12 years old, my special needs brother who at the time was 15 had to have his first open heart surgery. That was back in 1976. One of the things I remember the most during this time was the conditions put on my parents in order for him to have the surgery. Now, he was going to get the surgery even if mom and dad didn't do what the hospital needed them to do. We were told it would take 16 pints of blood to do his surgery and my parents were asked to get at least 11 people to donate blood to help replace the blood it would take for my brother.
“I remember my dad going up and down Greasy Creek in Leslie County and asking our neighbors to donate blood. Dad even drove some of our neighbors to Harlan Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hospital to donate. Well, my parents got all 11 pints of it, and my brother lived 20 more years before he had to have another open heart surgery.
“I've often wondered what if our neighbors didn't step up for my brother. Just had this on my mind as I have been preparing for this blood drive and wanted to share with you all. I ask that you prayerfully consider giving blood, because we never know when our loved ones might need it or even there might come a time you would need it. “
Giving Tuesday is just 5 days away, and Red Bird Mission needs your help at a critical time. Shortfalls in giving across the country have also been felt at Red Bird this year. We’ve cut our budget almost $500,000 mid-year resulting in staff working harder and longer without cutting services and programs. Neighbors and family stepped up to give what was needed to help Colleen’s brother at a critical time in his life. Can you help Red Bird at this critical time of year by giving what you can on Giving Tuesday, and asking others to join in supporting the programs that both sustain life and give hope to thousands being helped by Red Bird now until the end of the year?
You can give online now, or on December 3rd, Giving Tuesday through the link below, or you can mail a check to Red Bird Mission, 70 Queendale Ctr, Beverly, KY 40913 marked Giving Tuesday.
Giving Tuesday Special Broadcast with Kevin Wilson
Facebook Live events have added to our special giving days, and we’re planning a series of Facebook Lives on Tuesday. This year, Kevin Wilson, Class of 1990, will be coming to campus to help highlight how your giving to Red Bird makes a difference in the lives of so many people. Kevin will share some of his original songs, tell his Red Bird story, and talk with others on campus that are involved at Red Bird.
Plan to join us on the Red Bird Mission Facebook page on Tuesday at the following Eastern Standard Times: 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 12: 30 pm. Afternoon times will be announced during the morning.
Native American Project Creates Cultural Awareness
Students in 4th and 5th Grade showcased their knowledge and appreciation for Native Americans and their culture this week. Mrs. Patty Vance tasked her students to research various tribes, write an essay on the tribe of their choice, and engage in a hands-on project creating replicas and models of tribe dwellings. Students presented their project and answered questions from their peers about tribe culture, lifestyle, and materials used for their project.
Understanding Native American tribe dwellings encourages cultural awareness and appreciation. The varied types of dwellings - tipis, longhouses, pueblos, and wigwams - reflect the diverse lifestyles, traditions, and histories of tribes across North America. Students gained insight into how indigenous peoples adapted to their environments and developed unique architectural styles. Students begin to appreciate diversity and recognize the importance of respecting different cultures as they learn about experiences of indigenous peoples.
Mrs. Patty says,
“Projects like these are an essential part of Red Bird Christian School’s mission to foster a deeper appreciation for history, culture, and creativity in our students!”
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