Music has a profound effect on people and certainly has the power to inspire them to “Do Something” bigger than themselves.
Inspiration often comes when we least expect it
Darlene Azar is a grandmother that watches her granddaughter 5 days a week, 11 hours a day.
That alone can keep a person busy, but Darlene doesn’t mind a good challenge.
One day while listening to the radio she heard the song “Do Something “ by Matthew West. One part of the song really resonated with her:
”If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it’s time for us to do something”
Ok now what to do with this inspiration?
Somehow she knew she could make time to “do something” so she stopped by Franklin Elementary school in Belleville IL to see if they needed anything.
She immediately found out that 85% of the students at Franklin are at the poverty level and many come from very vulnerable conditions like alcoholism, drug abuse, parents in jail or prison, and even homelessness.
Finding the need sure didn’t take long so Darlene went to social media to help fill the specific needs she was made aware of.
The first message she put on Facebook simply said “Do Something”.
The response was instant. She had made a request for hoodies and the need was met. She asked for food and again it was fulfilled.
People love to Do Good but sometimes they need a reason
In the following 11 months, Darlene identified the needs of the students and the school, posted on Facebook and fulfilled the needs.
She found through this project that the givers have often been more blessed than the receivers.
Darlene said,”I think most people are good and want to help others, but often times don’t know where to begin”.
With the help of the volunteers from Facebook and the community, she has been able to spearhead a number of projects such as:
- Daily snacks for K-2nd graders
- Weekend food for 30+ families
- Clothes, shoes, and coats
- Christmas pajamas for the 2nd grade class
- Staff appreciation lunch and teacher supplies
- School-wide ice cream sundae bar
- $2400 in new playground equipment
- Funding of over $5000 to send 125 kids to summer camp
- And many, many more projects!!
Then something unexpected happens
Although the ones receiving these blessings were local, the ones providing for these needs were literally nationwide.
Almost 125 individuals from Hawaii to Washington DC contributed to these efforts.
Darlene was humbled and honored to be chosen as one of 17 recipients of the Illinois Governor’s Volunteer Award for her efforts.
Her decision to “Do Good” for these students and families has encouraged leaders in other communities to follow suit and “Do Something”.
It’s really amazing to see what a group of people can do together when they just look around to see what GOOD can be done in the world around them.
Take a few minutes today and look around you. My bet is there’s an opportunity right in front of you to “Do Good” and “Do Something” for someone!!
