Church’s Donation Aids Washington Teachers

Washington Elementary School teachers got a pleasant surprise to start their day Thursday, Oct. 11, as each received a $100 Walmart gift card from First Christian Church of Sedalia.

School librarian JoDee Buso and fellow First Christian member Lolita Combs went from classroom to classroom, sharing with both teachers and students the congregation’s appreciation for all that the educators do to help students succeed.

“The church’s Outreach Team came up with the idea and the gift cards were given on behalf of the whole church,” Buso said. “We have been so blessed by our partnership with the mentor program and we want to expand this partnership to do more for the school and teachers to thank them for their dedication to educating children.”

The total amount donated was $2,000, which includes two $50 gift cards for Washington’s teacher soup/chili cook-off in November.

Second grade teacher Mary Houston was surprised when Buso and Combs entered her classroom, then overwhelmed after learning the reason for their visit.

“I was extremely shocked and so grateful this morning to hear the news that I was receiving a gift card from the First Christian Church,” she said. “Having this support as a teacher makes me feel so appreciated by the wonderful Sedalia community. I am humbled by the church's generosity, and this gift will be put to great use.”

Buso felt privileged to be involved in the experience.

“It was fun and exciting to see the surprise and gratefulness on my co-workers’ faces,” she said. “Being a member of the church and also a staff member, it gave me the opportunity to experience firsthand the teachings of Jesus when He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ We are trying to live out our vision statement of being more Spirit Guided, Mission Minded.”