As we all know, children are egocentric. They think about themselves first. They are wired to do that. It is our job to begin opening their eyes, minds and hearts to the joy received in helping and caring for others.
At Aldersgate Preschool we offer several ways throughout the year for our families and children to reach out to others. Recently it has been a true joy to read notes of thanks and to deliver the goods of our efforts.
Cross-Lines: Each child in our preschool classes received an end of the year DVD. Families had the option to donate a suggested $10 for this which we gave to a local organization that supports families in need throughout the Kansas City area. We received a letter this summer from the Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Inc. thanking us for our donation! In their words, “Thank YOU for your gifts that offer hope, opportunity, self-dignity and a smile to our program participants on their journey toward self-sufficiency.”
Aldersgate United Methodist Church: While this one actually was self-serving, we were glad to be able to contribute toward the purchase of a new air conditioner. Pastor Shelly captured the essence of our collaborative relationship well when she wrote, “We appreciate the on-going partnership for ministry we enjoy with the Aldersgate Preschool. We are in ministry together and your gift is a great example of how we support and encourage the ministry of each other. ” We thank our families for their support through fund raisers that enabled us to make this gift.
Westview Elementary School: Aldersgate United Methodist Church has a long established tie to this Olathe Title I school We were honored to host a Scholastic Book Fair this past June in an effort to provide this school with new books! We enjoyed a couple of story times using a few of the books. We purchased many new books for our preschool library. But more importantly, we were able to gift $1100.00 in books! Amazing! Here is a little glimpse into the fun we had as we unpacked this large shipment – and these pictures just don’t do justice to the full scope of the number of books. Can’t you just imagine the joy a child will feel and he explores the literature world through vibrant new pages.
Mission Southside: Our families were so generous with donations at our Fall Festival worship. We were pleased to be able to take a large supply of food that will be distributed locally in backpacks each Friday. Local families in need will now have some food over the weekend!
Aldersgate Preschool 