Last Wednesday, September 11, the Mount Vernon community joined together in honoring those who lost their lives, survived and responded to the tragic events of 9/11. This year, each division participated in a donation drive, and then packaged the items as part of their service.
In the Preschool, students collected diapers and created nearly 100 diaper kits that will be distributed through Action Ministries to mothers in the Atlanta area who are struggling with the challenges of poverty. In addition to their diaper drive and packaging, Preschool students also created “Thank You” cards for first responders and service members.
Lower School students collected 1,917 books for Creating a Smile, Inspiring Hope, a non-profit started by Alma Merchant, Class of 2021. These books were sorted and packaged, then sent to children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In addition to their book drive, Lower School students wrote cards of gratitude for first responders and service members.
In the Middle School and Upper School, students donated and then packaged 325 meal kits to be distributed by Action Ministries to families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons while the Action Ministries kitchen is closed.
In the morning and afternoon, students also reflected with their Community Groups and Advisory about the events and aftermath of 9/11, where their teachers were and what they remember from that day, and why it’s important to serve and give back. Middle School students also wrote cards as part of Operation Gratitude, and Upper School students participated in a Poverty Simulation.
Seniors traveled off campus for the day and visited three locations: Georgia Works, Action Ministries Warehouse and the Action Ministries Kitchen.
At the warehouse, students built out 300 food boxes, 6,600 lbs of food and 8,100 meals. At Georgia Works – an organization which seeks to end homelessness, criminal recidivism and dependency through programs aimed at personal development – the Class of 2020 had the privilege of helping them set up for their graduation ceremony for over 200 program graduates.
We are Grateful to Serve. We are Mustangs, and we are better together.
