Macro Social Work class delivers more than backpacks to JFS!
Something happened last week that I can’t stop thinking about. All summer long, the UCF Macro Social Work summer class has been working on a School Supply Drive project for JFS. I (Hi, my name is Angie.) knew about the project, and honestly didn’t think too much of it, until I was invited to the culmination presentation at their final class. One of the students met us in the parking lot with parking passes, and that’s where we saw several of the students struggling with so many backpacks that the boxes broke. We all grabbed some and headed off to class. Adrienne and I were the special guests of the evening. (Wish I had worn a nicer outfit!)
The class had formed their own small social service agency. Students formed teams to accomplish their goal of providing backpacks and supplies for JFS to distribute to help our youngest clients succeed academically. The final presentation was magnificent! Each team shared their duties, their challenges, and their triumphs. At the end, one of the students shared her video documentation of the project.
A Touching Story!
The class then presented us with over 200 backpacks, enough supplies to fill them all, over $700 in cash, and gift cards! We were moved to tears by their hard work, generosity, and genuine interest in helping others.
The creativity and dedication this class showed was amazing. Fundraisers included an atrium event where a donated lunch was traded for cash or school supplies—“You fill our backpacks, and we’ll fill your tummies”! They even convinced a UCF Social Work professor to give her students extra credit for school supply donations. They also went into the community to solicit donations from local businesses, and shoppers at Kmart and Winn Dixie.
Not only were they successful in completing their School Supply Drive project, 
they successfully introduced MANY new people to Jewish Family Services, the little social service agency in Winter Park that works hard to serve all people in need and yet many people don’t know about us. JFS exists to accomplish the Jewish mandate of Tikun Olam, to repair the world. With your help, we can continue our quest to help others. Help us with a food drive, toy drive, financial contribution or volunteering. It feels great to help others.
Thank you Macro Social Work Summer Students! Your individual hearts to serve and incredible hard work has touched us, motivated us and will never be forgotten.
Jewish Family Services 