This should be a soothing, heartwarming, “Maybe the world isn’t that bad after all” type of column.
And it will be.
But first a little bad news.
Gaston County’s Backpack Weekend Food Program canceled its fall fundraising gala due to mounting concerns about the rising COVID-19 infection rate.
Although the dining al fresco event was supposed to be held outdoors, executive director Dallas Butler said the organization had no choice but to go on the caution and safety side.
“We believe this decision is based on timely, factual information and a primary concern for the safety and well-being of our community,” said Butler.
“And,” she added, “with COVID-19 likely to remain a problem well beyond September 25, delaying Dining Al Fresco was not an option.”
So there is the bad news. Let’s continue with the good.
And, in this case, the good is packed in two small packages – twin sisters Chloe and Caitlyn Robinson, fifth graders from Ida Rankin Elementary School in Mount Holly.
Smart, articulate and charming, these two girls raised more than $ 7,000 for the Backpack Weekend Food Program this summer.
Looking ahead, $ 7,000 is enough to feed 20 backpackers for the entire school year.
Can I say “Wow!” Here?
Although the twins had raised money for church missions before, they had never embarked on such a huge effort.
Your motivation?
A desire to serve on Ida Rankin’s security patrol.
As the twins explained, they had been looking forward to the school’s security patrol since they were in kindergarten.
And who wouldn’t?
Members of the security patrol help direct traffic at the school, open car doors for their classmates, and hold up signs reminding parents where to get in line.
Members of the security patrol also help out at school and do a variety of voluntary assignments, including the annual autumn carnival.
And perhaps the best thing is that they wear special green belts that signal their position of responsibility.
However, to be eligible for membership in the Security Patrol, some type of service project is required.
Bingo, the time was right!
Susan Swasham, a neighbor of the twins and a member of Mount Holly First United Methodist Church, suggested raising funds for Backpack, as the church is one of the sponsoring organizations of the program.
“We liked the idea of helping kids who need food on weekends,” said Caitlyn.
“And,” added Chloe, “it gave us an opportunity to remind ourselves and others that not everyone is as happy as we are.”
The twins decided to raise money through various methods.
First, they enlisted the support of their grandmother, Carolyn Helms-Sears, a partner at L&E Properties in Mount Holly, and their business partner, Willie Hermes. Broker Michelle Jonas also helped.
The real estate company involved all of its staff and customers.
Second, under Mother Mandy Robinson’s vigilant supervisor, the girls promoted Mount Holly businesses directly.
“These girls have always had a big heart for missions and for helping other people,” said Mandy. “And they are so positive that they get a lot of positive feedback in return.”
Eventually, the twins enlisted the help of their father, Brian Robinson, to prepare barbecues that were only available on a donation basis.
According to the twins, the effort was enormously labor-intensive and included rubbing the Boston butts specially, cooking those butts on their father’s grill for more than 14 hours, then removing the fat and pulling the pork into grill-sized chunks.
And how does grandmother think of her granddaughters’ efforts?
“They are wonderful girls,” Helms-Sears replied. “Just wonderful. They love Jesus and they love each other. I’m so proud of them.”
Butler is just as proud.
“These girls are so inspiring in what they did,” she said. “I hope other people will see this example and consider doing something like this.”
The goal of the Backpack Weekend Food Program is to provide healthy, long-life meals to nearly 1,000 Gaston County students who might otherwise starve on weekends when school breakfast and lunch are not available.
For more information about the backpack program, visit www.bwfpgc.com or call 704-689-3363.
Bill Poteat can be reached by phone at 704-869-1855 or at bpoteat@gastongazette.com.
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