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My Thoughts…..

With the Summer of 2021 upon us and the unknowns of 2022 on the horizon….it’s safe to say that no matter what the summer brings, no matter how long (or short) the season is, I will stay true to my values and goals, and create a culture that wants to keep training, practicing and making good choices, while continuing to model the leadership skills expected of me, so that we will be ready for whatever 2022 brings us.  

 That’s right – (a wise man who I call my-other-father once said)….always remember and don’t ever forget…as difficult as it’s been, or as challenging as it may be, these are life lessons and these times will make us stronger!

Check out my 2020 Highlights 

Check out my YouTube Channel – Click Here!

My Athletic Profile will provide you a whole bunch of detail about me, in addition to who I am and what I stand for.  From Academic Achievements to Athletic Stats to Extras & Clubs and Upcoming Events.  It has it all!   Think of it as my Student-Athlete Resume.  If you have received an email from me, it will contain the link to download My Athletic Profile.   If you have not received one and would like to learn more about me, feel free to contact me to request more info. 

Download my Athletic Profile

I am a 16 year old Junior who attends South Jefferson CSD in Adams, New York.  It was a Saturday afternoon in mid-October and my Mom and I were headed to Target to stock up on supplies for the week.

My Mom went to get a case of water and I was in my favorite aisle (the Snack aisle) when this adorable little girl – probably 4 or 5 years old said to her Mom “Mommy can I get Cheerios?”  Mom didn’t answer.  So, the little girl said it again.  Her Mom did not answer again.  So the little girl said it one more time.   Then I heard her Mom whisper to (the little girl)…not today Katie…Mommy gets paid Friday and we need to get bread and milk.  My heart sunk.  I didn’t know what to do.  If I had the money on me, I would have given it to her.  Instead, I stood there frozen.  I can’t really explain it.  It was almost like an out of body experience.  When I finally came back to myself….I found my Mom a few aisles over and told her what I had experienced.  My Mom explained that yes, there are families all over that struggle to make ends meet….especially this year.  It’s been a tough year for everyone and some are more affected than others.  I felt awful.  I couldn’t let the little girl leave without her Cheerios, so I asked my Mom to borrow $5.00 and quickly ran to find the little girl.  Up and down the aisles I went but I couldn’t find her.  I was so upset at the thought of this little girl leaving without her Cheerios, that I wasn’t even in the mood for my Starbucks drink on the way out.  That’s a first for me.

I dwelled on it all the way home.  I couldn’t get it out of my mind.  My Mom explained that there are many families in our Community that struggle to put food on the table.  With the Holidays coming up, it is even worse.  This was extremely difficult for me to digest.  I guess I knew there were families out there struggling, but I’ve always been one of the fortunate ones.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t attend a Private School, and my family does not have a vacation home, but we also have not had to worry about putting food on the table. Which many families do.  For the most part, my last 16 Holidays have been joyous and I’m very fortunate to have a supportive and loving family.  I still had that knot in my stomach thinking about that adorable little girl.

That night I tossed and turned most of the night.  It was Sunday morning and I woke up thinking about that adorable little girl and her Cheerios.  Her Cheerios that she didn’t get!  I ran upstairs to talk to my Mom, but I couldn’t find her.  I searched the house and looked out the window and her car was gone.  I asked my Grandmother if she knew where Mom was.  “She went to the grocery store” said my Grandma.  I told my Grandma about the little girl.  Surprisingly, she said the same thing my Mom said.  There were families all over that struggle and that I’m fortunate that I don’t have to worry about it.  If I wanted Cheerios, I just had to put it on the list, and my Cheerios would “magically” appear the next day.

I didn’t feel much better and I was still thinking about it.  My Mom came home from the Grocery Store a couple hours later and asked me to help carry in the groceries.  As I was telling her that I didn’t sleep much and tossed and turned all night, I reached in one of the bags and pulled out a box of Cheerios.  I can honestly say… this is the first time I have ever been choked up about a box of Cheerios.  I’m not sure what’s going on with me – I must be losing my mind!   That’s it – I was done.  I sat down at the table staring at the box of Cheerios.  I needed to do something.  I’m not sure what…but I needed to do something.  I proceeded to tell my Mom that we need to go back to Target and ask them to look at the cameras.  We need to find this little girl and get her a box of Cheerios.  My Mom assured me that the folks at Target are not going to do this.  In addition to privacy issues, they have a lot of other things to worry about other than finding a little girl who wanted some Cheerios. 

I just knew that I must do something to help Kids who need “stuff”.  My Mom suggested that I find a few Local Kids who need help and donate some items.  Not only do I have clothes and shoes that are brand new, but I’m sure my cousins and friends do as well.  Also, now that I’m working part time, I’ll have some extra money so I can purchase a few items. 

Over the next couple of days, I brainstormed a name for my “cause” and set up a Facebook Page called Kids Helping Kids NNY.   I came up with a (rather cute) Logo   

and I asked for anonymous submissions of a few local kids in need.  They would remain anonymous, and I would do everything in my power to find “help” from our Community.  One requirement was that they needed to be local kids and live in Jefferson County.   I hit “post” on my Facebook Page and waited.

Within a few hours, the first few requests came in and within a few days I received another 25 requests.  In a couple weeks, over 50 requests were received.  I was shocked and overwhelmed at how fast this happened.  Clearly, I could not let anyone down, but how would I support this huge effort?  I’m 16.  I make about $30 per week working part time.  How will I buy for 50 kids in need of “stuff”?  Hopefully I won’t be grounded for this!  Wow – I really needed to figure this out!

I explained the issue to my Mom and told her that when I started this effort, I did not expect 50 requests to come in so quickly and now I can’t say no to any of the ones that I’ve received.  My Mom said I would need to do this right and set up a Non-Profit Organization so that I can request help from other Community Members and Local Businesses.   Of course, I knew nothing about this.  So we visited the NYS Department of State Website to find out more and downloaded an application.  It was pretty easy to understand, so we filled it out and mailed it off to Albany at the end of October. 

I knew that I would need a “drop off location” so we contacted Kinney Drugs to ask them if it would be possible to drop off our Donation Box at a few of their locations.  They were so kind and offered three locations – Adams, Washington St and Coffeen St.  In early December, we wrapped up our boxes, attached our signs and delivered them to the three locations.  The Store Managers were very helpful in finding a visible location for our Donation Boxes. 

We explained how it works:  folks can take a star from our Facebook Page or the Donation Box and purchase items on their own or they can order from our Amazon Wishlist which has names next to the items.  This is the most convenient option for many folks.  I explained that we will wrap up each gift and will be tagged as a Special Delivery from “The North Pole”.  The gifts will be delivered on or before 12/22 to the Families.  

 

It’s been a busy week.  As of 12/11, we’ve shopped for 3 Local Kids, picked up gifts for 2 more kids, we’ve made family wishlists for each child on Amazon.   We have coordinated delivery of a bed and dresser for one little guy who lives with his Grandma.  Thanks to Morrison’s Furniture, it will be delivered Monday.  We are in a time crunch, so I think I need to step it up a notch.  There are still over 30 kids in need.  I think my next step will be to combine individual kids into Family Wishlists and reach out to local businesses to help. 

Today is 12/14 and yesterday I emailed over 20 businesses asking them to help a local family and sent their Wishlists along with a link to the Amazon Wishlist.    One child would like to be a Veterinarian, so a Local Vet offered up Books and a Stethoscope.  I will pick them up on my non-school days.  

On Wednesday, 12/16, we checked boxes at Kinneys and picked up the donations (for Russell) at Watertown Animal Hospital and received a few deliveries in which donations were purchased via the Amazon Wishlist.  A good friend text me and said his brother had purchased some items and he would deliver them to me.  When he arrived later in the day, he was carrying 4 bags over flowing with gifts.  I couldn’t believe it!  As The Elves were wrapping, Wendy from Kinney Drugs messaged me saying they had a bunch of stuff for us and asked when we would be able to stop by and pick it up.   I told her we would be there to pick it up tomorrow afternoon.   

On Thursday afternoon, we stopped by Kinney Drugs to pick up the donations.  We pulled up to the back door (as Wendy told us to) and we were overwhelmed with joy and gratitude when they brought out four boxes of toys, clothes and gifts from the folks at Kinney Drugs on Coffeen St.  Such a generous gesture!   So home to get The Elves wrapping we go!

We started wrapping on Thursday and most of the day Friday.  The garage (I mean workshop) was full of boxes and boxes of gifts.  

With the help of My Grandma (I mean Grandma Clause), The Elves managed to wrap over 175 gifts!

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So the evening of Friday, December 18, Elf J contacted the families to set up a tentative delivery schedule for the next day and asked The Elves to carry the 10 boxes and 6 bags to the garage!

Early the next morning, The Elves planned out their delivery schedule and loaded the gifts in the sleigh.

They checked their list twice!

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…. and they’re off!

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With list in tow, The Elves headed to their first delivery where they delivered a few bags of wrapped Art and Painting Supplies and some of Elf J’s outgrown snow clothes to a 10 year old little girl who lives with her Dad.  

–>>The Elves’ second stop was in the High School Parking Lot where they met a sweet Grandmother whose six year old Grandson lived with her.  Earlier in the week, one of our Sponsors delivered a Bed and Dresser to the little guy.   Elf J happily handed a box full of goodies to the Grandma and wished her a very Merry Christmas!  She was thrilled and thankful!

–>>The third stop was on the other side of the High School, where Elf J waited for the lady who would pick up Russell’s box of goodies.  Russell’s box of goodies consisted of items to help him learn how to be a veterinarian.  He had a stethoscope, books and some other goodies, including Minecraft T-Shirts (his favorite game).  Elf J was thankful to be able to help out this family.  It was really hitting home when she handed over the box.  She  got back in the sleigh and said…”Wow!  I’m glad we could help them.   I hope Russell enjoys the gifts.”  

–>>The fourth stop was to a Mom of five – age 2 to 16.  She requested mostly clothes and sneakers for her children.  Fortunately, we were able to provide them with some additional goodies!

–>>Stop #5 was to a Grandmother and Mother of eight!  Yes eight!  The Elves were so happy to be able to help this family.  They carried the boxes to the porch and rang the doorbell.  A teenage boy came to the door and Elf J said “we have a delivery for Michelle.”  Michelle came to the door and thanked us over and over.  Elf J told Michelle that there would also be a delivery for her on Tuesday.  Michelle had requested a coffee pot, so the Elves put in an order to Elf Prime and tracking said it would be delivered Tuesday.  

–>>Stop #6 was to a single Mom living in an apartment building with three children.  Parking was limited at the building and the door was locked, so we pulled down the street and texted her that we were there.  Her brother came down to collect the gifts.  

–>Stop #7 was to a Mom of seven boys in an apartment complex across town.  When we pulled up, two boys were playing by the parking lot.  Elf J wondered if one was Damante.  She had wrapped a few extra gifts for him.  Elf J carried the boxes down to Apartment 5 and rang the doorbell.  A teenage boy answered the door and Elf J wondered if that was Trayveon.  She told the boy she had a delivery for Denise.  He closed the door and it opened again.  A boy stood there and looked at her.  She wondered if it was Dementay.  She said “we have a delivery for Denise.  He closed the door and it opened again.  It was another boy who just looked at her.  This may have been Jayveona.  He closed the door.  A few seconds later Denise opens the door.  Elf J said “Hi Denise, we have a delivery for you.”  Denise looks at the boxes and her eyes get bigger.  Thank you she says and Elf J heads to the next stop.  

–>Stop #8 was in the same complex but a different building.  Elf J pulls her sleigh up out front and carries her sack to the door.  She sets it down and rings the doorbell.  A little girl looks out the window and she hears her yell “SANTA” and run to open the door.  She peeks through and Elf J says “I have a delivery for Laura.”  She slams the door and yells “SANTA!”  Her Dad comes to the door and Elf J tells him she has a delivery for Laura.  He says “Oh, that’s my wife’s niece. Ok thanks.”  

Elf J walks back to the car.  She explains what just happened and how that little girl was so excited.  She couldn’t bear the thought that the gifts weren’t for that little girl.  She needed to go back to her workshop and get some gifts for the girl and deliver them.  So she does just that.  She heads back to the apartment where the little girl lives.  She goes back to the door with the bag and rings the doorbell.  She sees a head peek through the window on the side of the door.  She hears the girl yell…”THE ELVES ARE BACK!  THE ELVES ARE BACK!” and the little girl runs to open the door.  The Little Girl’s Father comes to the door and Elf J explained that these gifts are for the children that live here.  He thanked her as she walked away and off she went on her way to Stop #9.

–>>Stop #9 was in a neighboring town and Elf J was going to meet Erica who had 5 children under the age of 8.  Erica was waiting when we pulled into the Store Parking Lot where we were meeting her. Elf J gets out and opens the back of the car.  She hands Erica three boxes and a bag full of gifts.  Erica thanks her and she gets back in the car.  Elf J wishes her a Merry Christmas and gets back in the car.  “WAIT” says J.  Mom stops the car suddenly.  “What is it?”  her Mom asks. Elf J puts her arm out the window and is waiving it for Erica to stop.  “I forgot the most important gift.” says Elf J. She gets out of the car and opens the back door and grabs a gift from under the seat.  She pulls it out and hands it to Erica.  The tag says it is for Charlotte from The North Pole.  Erica looks at it and asks ….”is this what I think it is?”  “Yes” says Elf J.  “I’ve been playing since I was five.  Charlotte is five and I love the fact that she wants to play, so I made special arrangements to have a Charlotte-sized-stick sent specially for her from The North Pole.   Tell her to practice every day.  Lacrosse has shaped me into the person I am today and I would encourage all little girls to get involved at an early age. I would also be happy to work with her, make it fun and show her a some of the basics.  Once she builds her confidence and sees how fun it is, she will get ‘The LAX Bug’ and it will be part of her.”

Elf J turns and walks back to the car.  She gets in the car, sits down and has a smile and sense of accomplishment on her face.  Her Mom says “That was nice of you to give your first stick to a little girl that you don’t even know. “Elf J replies…”there’s something about little Charlotte that makes me want to share all the things that Lacrosse has done for me over the past 11 years.  I’m not quite sure what it is, but maybe in 11 years, she will be the “next big thing” to come out of this school district and will share her story and inspire other little girls in the area.  

#lovethegame     #giveback     #beyourbest     #betheexample     #makeanimpact     

My Thoughts…..

With 2020 slipping away and the unknowns of 2021 on the horizon….it’s safe to say that no matter what the spring brings, no matter how long (or short) the season is, I will strive to create a culture that wants to keep training, practicing and making good choices, while continuing to model the leadership skills expected of me, so that we will be ready for whatever 2021 brings us.  

 That’s right – (a wise man who I call my-other-father once said)….always remember and don’t ever forget…as difficult as it’s been, or as challenging as it may be, these are life lessons and these times will make us stronger!

Check out my 2020 Highlights 

https://youtu.be/buQtEAb3o1Y

Check out my YouTube Channel – Click Here!

My Athletic Profile will provide you a whole bunch of detail about me, in addition to who I am and what I stand for.  From Academic Achievements to Athletic Stats to Extras & Clubs and Upcoming Events.  It has it all!   Think of it as my Student-Athlete Resume.  If you have received an email from me, it will contain the link to download My Athletic Profile.   If you have not received one and would like to learn more about me, feel free to contact me to request more info. 

Download my Athletic Profile