B y Kelsey Eaton.
The fire broke out Tuesday, March 2 in Poultney. Photo by Christian Sapovits
One of the greatest parts about becoming a mentor is the first time you get to meet your “mentee”. It’s almost like holding a newborn baby sibling for the first time—but even cooler because these kids are already smart, funny, and don’t poop their pants. I remember the first time I met my mentee, Alivia. I think we gravitated towards each other right away. As the whole group of DREAMERS (kids and mentors alike) walked around the Gorge doing the whole introduction thing; anxiously hugging and getting to know their potential matches, Alivia and I sort of just stuck with each other. We exchanged names, favorite foods and things to do, and that was it. Neither of us really even considered picking another person. Since then, Alivia and I have been a great pair. We’ve done a bunch of cool things together; from going out for ice cream, to watching Justin Bieber music videos on repeat, to doing some fine dining at Chartwells… I think we’ve really enjoyed each others company a lot in the last year. I’ve really gotten to know one of the coolest girls I’ve ever met. But, that’s not even what this article is about.
On March 2, 2010 Alivia and her family lost their home and everything they own to a devastating fire. Everyone came out alive, thankfully, but since her parents are both on disability, they are unable to work and pay for some of their immediate needs. I’ve posted updates about Alivia’s situation on my facebook page numerous times, and you might be surprised at how many kind strangers there really are out there; people who are willing to donate money, clothing and other belongings in order to help a family of people that they don’t even know.
This is where Green Mountain students can truly make a difference in someone’s life. If you feel inspired to help Alivia’s family, then I invite and encourage you to donate food, money and/or clothing. The food and clothing can be dropped off at the Rutland Southwest Supervisory Union building, and the money at Citizens bank, just ask about the “Morse Family Relief Fund”.
Community is something that most of us have learned a lot about during our time here at Green Mountain, so I hope that although the Morse family may not be much more than strangers to you— you feel a connection enough to at least keep them in your thoughts and prayers, as they so desperately need it.
