Benton Chamber Of Commerce Inc issued the following announcement on Jan. 10.
Growing up in Benton and Southern Illinois it is impossible to not come into contact with those in need.
As I moved through high school, I felt more and more compelled to step out and try and help alleviate those problems. So, I began to help using the only currency I had at the time – baseball cards.
Now for much of the past 15 years I have been selling my personal collection of sports cards and memorabilia to fund various “social” activities in the Benton community and beyond.
Using these sales as the main source of funding we have been able to partner with various organizations, teachers, schools, and non-profits.
Some of the highlights of what we’ve been able to do include –
- Provide computers, tablets, iPads, and more technology to over 17 local classrooms
- Provide new beds to kids through CASA and Caritas
- Provide shoes and clothing to kids in 5 local school districts
- Provide toiletries and snacks to resident at Heritage Woods
- Provide dog food and treats to Franklin County Animal Control
- Partner with BMS teachers to purchase new bicycles for students
- Annual toy drives for Shriner’s and St. Louis Children’s Hospitals
- Provide housing assistance, furniture, etc during times of transitional housing
Although this is technically an individual award I owe much too many different people.
My grandparents, parents, in-laws modeled what loving people, hard work, and sacrifice look like.
My wife does all of those things and doesn’t ask questions when stacks of toilet paper, computers, or other seemingly strange items begin to stack up in my office.
Teachers like Sandy Blackman, Mary Ellen Aiken, David Goss, and more who worked to provide service opportunities in high school.
Coach Curtis Smith who showed me that every person, regardless of background/situation/life choices, is worthy of dignity.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Benton Chamber Of Commerce
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