SouthWind loves to do nice things for the community – kindness is our focus.  Two weeks before the opening of school we went to the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clermont on a Saturday morning, where many parents were going to purchase school supplies.

Nearly 30 SouthWind leaders purchased $1,000 worth of school supplies and gave them all away at the front door of the store.  We also gave away bottles of cold water to the parents and fun toys and candy to the kids.

Some comments from the people receiving gifts:

• Amy:  “I just can’t believe that you people are doing this – it is one of the nicest things I’ve ever seen”
• Bob:  “What’s the catch?  There’s gotta be a catch.” (We told him there were really no strings attached, he replied,) “Wow!”
• Rosa:  “I drove here this morning without enough money to buy everything on my children’s class lists (she had 3 children). You are an answer to prayer.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
• Maria:  “Thank you so much for your kindness.  This is amazing!”

SouthWind appreciates Clermont Wal-Mart Manager Saul Daconceicao and the Wal-Mart staff for graciously allowing us to give away the school supplies in front of the store.  The Wal-Mart greeters got into the spirit of kindness and were directing customers to the SouthWind tent.  There were customers who also caught the joy of the giveaway and purchased additional school supplies and brought them to us to give away.  

Those giving away the supplies had an awesome time.  Those who donated to the giveaway were blessed.  Kindness is fun…kindness is contagious…kindness can change the community.

To quote form the SouthWind Vision:  “People matter to God…even if they don’t know it yet. So we strive to meet them in their comfort zone (at Wal-Mart!!), with intentional acts of kindness.”

Visit the School Supply Giveaway Photo Gallery.