Dear Editor,

Before I went to school Monday morning, I made a simple post on Facebook: “Our book fair is this week. I wish I could give each kid $10 to buy a book. There’s something about picking out a book to keep that motivates you to read it, and there’s something special about getting to buy a book when you love to read but can’t afford to own one.”

It was a simple statement, and I did not intend for anything to happen beyond a couple of likes and comments in agreement. Boy, did I underestimate the power of kindness! People immediately began asking how much they should donate and where they could donate. Within 24 hours, I had been gifted over $500 to make sure that my kids get to pick out and keep a book!

Today I began to give out gift cards for books. I drew 10 names from each class, and the most amazing thing happened. Kindness ripples. I had a girl quietly give her book card to a boy whose name didn’t get drawn. I had another student say that they didn’t need to be a part of the drawing because they could buy their own book and wanted to make sure that someone else had a chance.

I had no idea that my post would generate so much generosity, and I want to thank everyone in the community who pitched in. (I have had donations from as far away as New York!) I feel almost guilty about the fact that I am the lucky one who gets to tell the kids they won a book. From the bottom of this nerdy, bookworm’s heart, thank you!

Cheers!

Sarah Decker

7th grade English teacher