STC Newsletter
August 2nd, 2023
Expressing gratitude can be as simple as saying "thank you", returning a favor, writing a note, or sending a text message or card. But practicing gratitude can extend to keeping a journal, visualization, praying and small acts of kindness.
At Schools That Care, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve many students and families in USD 380 & USD498. I am also thankful to many volunteers and donors who support this program and keep the care bus filled with items to help others. It's a true blessing!
What are you grateful for today? Count your blessings!
Thank you Frankfort area businesses and individual donors who contributed to Schools That Care and the Mobile Family Resource Center "care bus" last year. It was the first year that Schools That Care joined the Foundation and your contributions helped serve students with school supplies, hygiene supplies and other needs that have helped them succeed into this school year. What a Blessing!
Giving Day is scheduled in Frankfort on November 28 this year. It's the perfect time to consider gifting to Schools That Care because your gift can be matched. It is also the end of the fiscal year for many and your gift can be tax deductible. There are many ways to give:
1. In person at the Giving Day event held at Altstadt Galerie on Nov 28.
2. Mail a check to the Frankfort Community Foundation, P.O. Box 186, Frankfort, KS 66427, with the donation form and postmarked on or before Nov. 28.
3. Online at FrankfortGives.com.
And contact your tax advisor and the GMFC (Cal Marla at 785-587-8995) for more information to give:
4. Gifts of Grain.
5. Gifts from an IRA account.
6. Gifts of stock.
All gifts must be accompanied by a 2023 Frankfort Giving Day Donation Form and submitted by Nov. 28. Forms and more information will be available online.
Thank you for your support of Schools That Care to help keep the "care bus" filled with supplies and resources for families and students in USD380 and USD498!❤️
For the past 27 years, Blue Valley Technologies has been helping families in their service areas and offering children hope during the gift giving season through a project called the Giving Tree. Last year, with the support of community donors, 398 children in 141 families were gifted with some children's wants/needs and family necessities (pantry items/toiletries). This program wouldn't be successful with out the help and generosity of those who want to provide light to those experiencing hardships during the holiday season.
Do you want to help spread the Joy! of this year's season? If you, your family, your club or other organization would like to make a difference to a local child or a family this Christmas Holiday season it's easy peasy! Select a card from the giving tree at Blue Valley's home office or partnering business. Shop for items listed, purchase gift cards or make a donation to have someone else shop for you. Gifts and donations can be dropped off (with the card attached) at local Giving Tree Locations: at Riverside Market or First Commerce Bank in Blue Rapids, United States Post Office in Centralia, and United Methodist Church in Frankfort. See the Blue Valley Giving Tree webpage for other drop off locations and additional information. Contact Colleen Voet, 877-876-1228, givingtree@bluevalleyinc.net for more details.
Merry Christmas to all and Thank you for your support!
Anxiety is fear and it can be difficult to face, especially for teens who are still growing and developing physically and at the same time experiencing more life challenges. Emotions like anxiety are not always bad and can be a simple warning signal to alert us when something may go bad. Recognizing anxiety is the first step. Learning to tune in to temporary discomfort and using coping strategies is important to staying mentally healthy rather than choosing risky behaviors like many teens choose to do. Providing teens with the tools they need to cope before their grades and relationships suffer is key to helping them succeed in school and in life. Modeling healthy habits is a great place to start! Click here to learn 9 ways to combat anxiety.
Adults who are concerned about children's safety and well being with today's internet influence may have a lot to learn. Understanding algorithms, peer generated content, and social media platforms are a part of an intricate internet world that are shaping each individual's digital experience and one that most adults didn't experience as they were growing up. Staying informed can help you support others. Click here for a "cheat sheet" introducing social media platforms that are popular among youth.
Unfortunately, social media is designed to be addictive. Our brains thrive on the hormones released by the instant gratification it provides and stimulates it like a drug. While some teens and tweens use social media to their benefit as a means to express themselves, there are concerns that the majority maybe scrolling to numb emotions. Mental Health America provides more information about what young people can see on-line, how the content that can be shared online and how that can affect their behavior and their mental health. With some supervision, understanding and guidance, the digital world can be navigated to be a useful and educational tool.
Follow us on FaceBook@SchoolsThatCare and see where you can meet the Family Advocate and Care Bus! Find out what FREE resources are available to you and your family. View the Tuesday Tips, a weekly tip generally promoting a monthly theme, like Gratefulness this November. See what types of donations are needed and where to drop them off. Share news, tips and resources with others.
Give on-line anytime! It's easy to give via PayPal or with your credit/debit card. Use this link to view other ways to give. https://www.valleyheights.org/page/donations
