Who has been a great influence in your life? Perhaps it's a favorite teacher, loving grandparent or your mother or father? Whoever the person is that comes to mind, it is most certainly someone who gave of themselves to help you learn valuable life lessons. More than likely they really knew you - your strengths and weaknesses, your hopes and dreams - and they stood ready to help you achieve them.
FirstWorks is entrusted with around 50 children from Memphis' inner city and given a unique opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with them based on trust, mutual respect and love. For the past year we have been meeting with the children two nights a week and for regular Saturday outings and it has truly been one of the most life-changing experiences of our lives. Coming from families who struggle daily to survive severe poverty, FirstWorks is a warm, safe place for the children to come, a routine to savor, a relationship to cherish.
Donald, who hopes to someday become a journalist, and volunteer Kristina, an investigative reporter, write and edit humorous, adventurous stories each week. Third graders, Khristian and Indya, pair up with volunteers Dianne and Jayme for an all girls weekly book club where the heroes are more likely to be heroines. Ricky and George take a turn at the microphone and our hearts melt as they very loudly and very off-key sing a heartfelt rendition of our inspirational ending song, "I Believe I Can Fly."
Bus transportation, the city school cutback of certified teachers and other operational expenses have risen this past year. We depend on annual pledges from faithful supporters like you to enable us to continue building lasting relationships with these children. Will you prayerfully consider Sponsoring a Child in the FirstWorks program by making an annual pledge of $600 or more? For a little more than $1 a day, just $50 a month, you can truly make a difference in a child's life. This year for the first time we are offering an option for automatic draft from your checking account. If you prefer this method, call or send us an email and we'll send you a form.
We know that many worthwhile organizations seek your support and we thank you for trusting us with your gifts. We pledge to be careful stewards of your donation.