Michael Miller, a teacher at Lake Denoon Middle School, was up north in Shawano on vacation when a discussion with his neighbors, Tom and Judy Wilson, gave him a great idea.
"These people had gone to Nairobi and had seen children without parents, and they had decided to start their own orphanage," he explained. "I thought it would provide a great opportunity to build our own outreach program at the school."
With 24 children in the Lord's House of Hope orphanage when the program started, and 24 classrooms at LDMS, the idea was to adopt one of the children for each classroom. Since the beginning, however, six more children were added to the orphanage, which Miller said the classrooms made adjustments for.
Over the past few months, kids have been collecting money to help their sponsor students in Nairobi. The donations will be used to provide uniforms, socks and shoes as well as basic school supplies. Wristbands are being sold in the effort as well.
Miller said he hopes the project helps to open kids eyes to the needs of others, perhaps helping them to realizing the things that they take for granted, and that "it's not just a one-time deed. These kids deal with extreme poverty everyday, and the need is ongoing."
Stepping stones are placed in the hallway signifying every $10 the students raise. Miller said the final amount is not yet tallied, but he is excited to present the Wilsons with a check at a school assembly next week Wednesday.
If you would like more information, or wish to donate, click here for the Lord's House of Hope website.
