By Julieta Paita
Sixty local HISD students volunteered for a “Summer Camp” during the last four weeks, sponsored by Mattress Mack from Gallery Furniture.
They participated in learning programs, field trips, and a whole set of new experiences for the group. They even learned how to cook a banquet and serve their benefactors.
Mattress Mack is known for his generous support to various local charities, needy families, contributions to Houston Rodeo that go toward college scholarships as well as to schools. His most recent contribution is a summer camp at Fonville Middle School in the Houston ISD.
“Mack provided funding for the whole program, including teachers salaries, food, and expenses,” said Kelly Musick, a social worker with Children’s Protective Services in Harris County in partnership with Fonville Middle School. There were seven teachers and two volunteers in the four week program, she said.
Activities at the Summer Program
During summer school at Fonville Middle School at E. Little York a total of sixty kids “had different classes, they went to reading, science, and religion classes,” said Mrs. Musick. Kids also went on field trips and visited Reliant stadium and the Ringling Bros. Circus.
There was a section about kids’ Dreams and Goals where “different career speakers came and talked to the kids. We had an attorney, a pharmacist, a retired FBI agent, and a fireman” said Mrs. Musick. This exposed the kids to various careers, giving them ideas of what he or she may want to be when they grow up.
At the end of the four week summer program, kids had the opportunity to go and shop at local stores.
“We took the kids on a shopping trip,” said Mrs. Musick. Gallery Furniture furnished each child with a $200 gift card. “Palais Royal gave us discount coupons, and a helpful and wonderful staff. We also went next door to Shoe Carnival, the staff and manager there were ready for us and the kids were able to get two pair of shoes, and their uniforms and the stuff they needed for school.”
HISD donated school supplies that were placed inside the backpacks to give to kids in the program during a closing ceremony on Thursday night, August 9th.
Closing Ceremony
“That Thursday night the kids did an Appreciation Dinner for their parents, which they cooked and served. They gave different gifts, and skits that they have learned through the four weeks,” said Mrs. Musick. “We served dinner the kids had cooked, and all the kids were able to play a part in the dinner that night as well as show their gratitude toward Mack and the principal Mr. Ibarra.”
The summer program took place at the school, which is located at 725 E. little York in Houston from July 16 to August 10, 2012; it was for anyone from second grade to eight grade, “anyone who signed up, whoever wanted to come and younger siblings as well,” said Mrs. Musick.
Each year Jim McIngvale and Gallery Furniture use the summer months to provide a unique learning experience for a group of kids that otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn more. The program varies from year to year.