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Gotta Have Sole

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This week we visited the organization Gotta Have Sole, founded by JCDSRI alum, Nicholas Lowinger.  Please take a moment to read about this amazing individual and all the good he does in the world: http://www.gottahavesole.org/ghs/

Nicholas is only a high school student! He started this organization in sixth grade, for his bar-mitzvah project. To say he was an inspiration to the class is an understatement.  Gotta Have Sole sends new shoes to children who need them. Fifth graders learned about why Nicholas began doing this work, some of the (many) awards he has won over the years, and how the organization runs. Then they helped prepare an order to be sent to a shelter in Arizona.

Here are some of the students reflections after the trip:

“This trip has showed me how 1 person can make a difference” – Jordan

“I am thinking about the kids’ reactions to the cards ans hoes. I hope they are happy!” -Elliana

“I am thinking about how lucky we are to have shoes to wear.” – Tomer

“I am thinking about how I can help the world. I got inspired. What should I do?” – Abby

“I wonder what I can do to help in the world.” -Jodd

“This is the first time I have really thought about how hard it is not to have shoes.” -Jonah

“I am now so grateful for my shoes. I am also wondering what I can do to help in the community.” -Eliora

“It feels so good to know that thing I am drawing will be cherished by someone I will probably never meet.” -Tamar

 

Some of the 5th graders remembered Jess the dog visiting them in PreK
Some of the 5th graders remembered Jesse the dog visiting them in PreK. Jesse belongs to Nicholas’s family.
Each corner is filled with shoes to be donated
Each corner of the garage is filled with shoes to be donated. Here we are shown where it all began.
Students matched up the right shoes with the order. Each pair got a sticker with the name of the child the shoes would go to.
Students matched up the right shoes with the order slip. Each pair got a sticker with the name of the child the shoes would be going to.
Cards were then made for each child, to accompany the shoes.
Then students made cards for each child, to accompany the shoes. Cards were decorated, and inspirational messages were written (i.e. Jump high!) on the cards.
Our students were hard at work, eager to help others.
Our students were hard at work, eager to help others.
Students put such thought and love into their cards.
Students put such thought and love into their cards.
A lot of children will be getting their shoes soon.
A lot of children will be getting their shoes soon.

It was a particularly moving service learning experience. Many thanks to Lori Lowinger for taking the time to welcome us and for giving the class this opportunity.