In honor of the Lower School’s 100th day of school, the Tiger PRIDE parent organization sponsored a very special contest. Students submitted essays explaining how a local, non-profit agency or individual in need could best use $100. After much deliberation, Tiger PRIDE decided that two recipients were equally deserving of the gift – Jim Daniels of the facilities staff and the Open Door Children’s Home – so each was awarded a check for $100.
Daniels, a beloved member of the Lower School community, has been on an extended leave to care for his wife Kay after an accidental fall.
“They could use the money to help put gas in the car to go to the doctor,” read one entry from Tami Wilcox’s second-grade class. “They could get new blankets and pillows to use since she has to stay in bed a lot and it is cold outside. Mr. Daniels could buy her something to cheer her up like a stuffed animal, flowers or books. He could go to Home Depot to get wood and nails to build a wheelchair ramp for her to get in and out easier … We really want to help Mr. Daniels’ wife because he helps all of us.”
Fourth-grader Farrin Mumpower said, “Mr. Daniels is not at work because he cares about his wife … We miss Mr. Daniels and we want him back. We also want, hope and pray his wife is all better. Darlington School would be proud to give $100 to someone who needs it.”
Her classmate Addie Holmes agreed. “Mr. Daniels is so generous and helps a lot of people, that’s why we need to help him … He always has a warm smile on his face when he opens your car door in the morning! He really deserves this prize money.”
The Open Door Children’s home is a charitable, non-profit organization that provides a safe, warm and loving environment for children who have been neglected, abandoned and abused.
“They could use $100 to buy clothes, toys and school supplies,” said fourth-grader Anna Claire Atha in her essay. “If the Open Door Home wins this money, I would love to see the children’s faces [when they receive the gift] because I know they would be happy to know that someone thought about them.”
Fifth-grader Jared Deaton said he wanted to donate the money to the Open Door Home so the children could do something fun. “I would buy them some movie passes or bowling passes. I know what it feels like to get something. It feels really good. It also feels good to give to people. Really, it feels even better. I love to give things to people in need.”
