A simple fact cannot be ignored. The needs in Wildwood are great.
It is most apparent in the schools.
Nearly 80 percent of the children receive free or reduced meals.
Many children come from families who cannot afford the school uniforms. Some children are classified as homeless.
Instead of punishing children and making them feel ashamed, school officials work hard to keep the children on track.
Rather than issue a detention for a child who doesn’t have a belt, they reach into a drawer and put a belt on the child.
“It’s about building self-esteem and confidence,” said Wildwood Elementary Assistant Principal Sanci Skipper.
The schools can’t do it alone. So they reach out, seeking partners in the community.
Operation Bless Wildwood is focusing on making a difference.
“Last year our team worked together to provide food baskets to children and families in the Wildwood area. In addition, over the past two years we have raised over $9,000 in financial assistance to help provide uniforms for students at Wildwood Elementary and Middle Schools,” said Pastor Sidney Brock of Heritage Community Church.
The organization has laid out a set of goals for the coming months:
1. Saturday, Dec. 14: Work with schools to provide Christmas baskets to Wildwood families in need.
2. Wednesday. Dec. 18: Present a check for money raised to Wildwood Elementary and Middle School for assistance in purchasing school uniforms for students who cannot otherwise afford them.
3. Partner with “Tutors For Kids” to create an atmosphere of encouragement for students.
Char Griffin of the Village of Tamarind Grove is about to start her second year tutoring at Wildwood through “Tutors For Kids.”
Tutors take pressure off classroom teachers and give the children a coach and cheerleader.
“If you want to feel like a rock star, become a tutor,” she said.
How Can You Help?
• Provide financial assistance that will purchase food or uniform assistance for a needy child in Wildwood. Checks to be written to “OPERATION BLESS WILDWOOD” Attention: Mr. Stuart Force, and mailed to Banks, Paige, Theus Funeral Home, 410 Webster St., Wildwood, FL 34785.
• Drop off location for monies: Chick-fil-A at The Villages, located at 730 N US Highway 441 The Villages, FL 32159.
• Join Tutors For Kids. Learn more about the organization at www.tutorsforkidsinc.org
