Last week as school started I was busy making sure that my kids had all the school supplies they needed as I am sure most of the Moms on the Facebook Group Official McKinney Moms were.  The Official Mckinney Mom's facebook page serves as a place for local Mom’s to communicate and share information and resources.  Moms on the sight share such things as parenting tips, referrals for services, doctors and many other discussions are held within the group. 

On Thursday of last week I posted a picture that I had received from my sister, Mrs. Monica Woods, a teacher at DISD.  The picture shown reflected all of the school supplies she received from the parents of the 17 kids in her class.  This picture made me reflect how blessed and privileged we all are because we know our kids have the supplies they need to succeed.  The sadness I felt for these kids prompted me to post the following to the Mckinney Mom’s Group, “Ladies. I just want to remind us of how blessed we really are. My sister is a 3rd grade teacher for DISD. With 17 kids in her class and expecting more. Here is a picture of all the school supplies she received. Not even a single pencil!”

The response was overwhelming, immediately people started asking, how can we help, expressing their heartfelt sympathy and respect for Ms. Woods and her class.  I responded by opening a gofundme page for the class and taking donations at home.  In 3 days, we had received $225 and multiple people dropping of school supplies.  The ending result was 20 back packs, 17 pencil bags with pencils, erasers, scissors and crayons, 100+ folders, 40+ boxes of crayons, 100's of pencils and much more more.

I would like to send a heartfelt “Thank you!” to the Official McKinney Mom’s you ladies are absolutely amazing and I could not ask for a better group of moms to be affiliated with.  Additionally, I want to say “Thank you!” to Asnet Ugarte of Suburban Chic who allowed us to use her shop as a collection location.  And last but not least, “Thank you!” to Tunnell Mortgage, Massiel met me at Academy and purchased 20 backpacks for the students.  Again “Thank you!” to all for your support and giving spirit.  Now the learning can begin!

-LaShawn Johnson