February 1 Home Communicatoor –I was surrounded by hundreds of yellow rubber ducks! The students thought it was a prank, but it was not. Some students thought I had an obsession with rubber ducks and just needed to bring them with me to school. That was not the reason either. The rubber ducks brought smiles, laughter, and joy to many as we helped to raise awareness and money for a great cause. Each rubber duck represented a JoyJar!
Last week, Joy99 set up their remote location at our school to partner with us in helping children who have cancer at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital by raising money for JoyJars. The intent of each JoyJar is to provide a child fighting cancer some new toys and activities so they can smile, feel loved, and be reminded that there are many who care. As a result, over $1,300 was raised in just a few hours! That is over 50 JoyJars! What an awesome testimony of service and charity from Hudsonville Christian families and the Hudsonville community.
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is a special place. So many have been touched in some way by this institution. About nine years ago, my family spent a week at the hospital as a result of a surgery my daughter needed at four months old. It is through this experience that I learned about the special place we have in Grand Rapids, but I also experienced the Christian community that surrounded us in support and prayer. It was overwhelming, but just what we needed at that moment as we leaned hard on God during the difficult time.
Throughout the year, Hudsonville Christian and specific classrooms provide opportunities for service and giving. I do not share this as a pat on the back for the “good” that we are doing. I share this because I am grateful that Hudsonville Christian continues to challenge minds and lives for Christ, and one way to do that is through service. It is my hope that we can continue to serve with a grateful and joyful heart.
In His service,
Devon Brinks, Superintendent
