Dallas, Texas
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27
Skillman became involved with Truett Elementary (a Skyline High School feeder school) when Jose Flores, Jr. began his teaching career there in the fall of 2018. He noted and communicated to members at Skillman the deep needs he saw in the children around him.
So for Christmas in 2018, Skillman Church, CDC and ReGen participated in the purchasing, organizing, stuffing, and delivering of over 1300 stockings to Truett. The reaction from the students to these gifts was immense, as evidenced from the words of Truett ‘s Community Liaison Stephanie Monroe:
“When Skillman delivered stockings to our students they were overjoyed as their little eyes filled with tears. I have always loved helping families and seeing children smile. The smiles that Skillman put on our students faces were PRICELESS! Skillman has helped us bring the community involvement back into our schools and for that,… the staff, students and I are very GRATEFUL! We look forward to a partnership next year!
Thank you, Stephanie Monroe.
Email from Ms. Stephanie Monroe, Truett Elementary
Community Liaison
The needs of the Truett students and their families are truly significant. Many of the Truett students cannot have Christmas gifts due to the struggles of their families to provide basic needs for their families. These Christmas stockings provide an opportunity for these students to receive fun gifts, as well as necessities for the winter months.
Along with providing Christmas gifts, opportunities exist to support Truett Elementary through providing back-to-school supplies and other funding for teach appreciation events.
Our relationship and involvement with Truett Elementary has been eagerly accepted and gratefully received. While the children at Truett may not be orphaned, based on Ms. Monroe’s forthright answers, many of the school population are in some manner of distress.
For 2019/2020, Skillman plans to support Truett Elementary through a backpack drive expected to benefit up to 250 students. It is anticipated that 1220 stockings will be prepared and provided to the deserving students of Truett Elementary this upcoming Christimas.
Truett and Skillman is a worthy partnership. This opportunity demonstrates Skillman’s desire and responsibility to local outreach. It also affords our congregation a real opportunity for every Skillman member, young to old, to get involved in outreach. Tasks are well-planned and achievable. None of the Truett projects require special training, expensive travel, or specific skill sets. Everyone is needed and all can impact the lives of these children.
It’s a win, win for all!