Gift Cards for Graham Road Elementary

Submitted By: Judy Baker

This year created unique challenges for families of Graham Road Elementary School (GRES) as they struggle to find regular work and meet basic needs. Holy Trinity’s fall mission initiative was to help support Graham Road Elementary with the donation of gift cards to help families in need. Pastor Mike received the following letter from Andrea Kessler (School Counselor):

“I want to reach out to you and thank you and your congregation for your generous, caring support of our Graham Road families, especially over the 2020 December holidays. With your wonderful contributions, we shared over $3,000 of gift cards to 63 families and 90 children. That is about 25% of our student population! We were touched and honored to sign Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on the note accompanying the cards. Your continued support is greatly appreciated, especially at this difficult time.”

A few additional details about our gift to Graham Road: Members of Holy Trinity donated $1,250 in gift cards. When Phil Loar learned of our efforts, he reached out to the Lions Club, who provided $1,000 in gift cards. The remaining $750+ was given by Graham Road teachers, staff, and other community sponsors. In reality, more than 90 children were recipients of these gifts, in that most of the 90 students have younger siblings. Each of the 63 families received $40 or $60 in gift cards, depending on the number of their children.

Thanks for being so generous to the families and children in our neighborhood.