The Strength of a Village

Our local Kindergarten gets the majority of their funding from Casino Money.  I have said in the past that I will not support these fundraisers by volunteering because I just do not agree with the method of payment.  I still do not agree with gambling but when our Kindergarten staying open and available to the children in our community so desperately relies on this money I couldn't turn my back when the association was in such desperate need of volunteers to help work at the scheduled Casino.  I had no idea what to expect nor did I really comprehend the amount of money that would pass through my hands. 

The shift I worked was in the count room from 10:30pm until close at 3:00am.  I wouldn't say it was a busy job just wearing because of the time of day!!  I was with a great group and we managed to keep each other awake with visiting and laughing!  We got home safely at 5:00am and I managed to sleep for almost 2 hours before heading to the pharmacy to work for the day.

It was sad to see elderly people sitting at machines mindlessly pressing buttons with no results.  It was heartbreaking to see people take $9000 advances on their credit card to be able to play.  It was mindboggling to think of all that could be done with even just a handful of the money we counted.  But then I remembered that what we did that night would help in a round about way.  It would help keep our Kindergarten open and an amazing teacher and teaching assistant employed!  I guess if these people are willing to gamble away their money then I should be thankful it is to help fund a great cause. 

We have a great community with many members stepping up to volunteer.  Over the two days we had to have around 40 people volunteer and many of those volunteers haven't had children in Kindergarten for years.  Some had children who would eventually be coming into Kindergarten and some had no children at all and still gave of their time.  I am thankful to be apart of such a wonderful community and to feel the strength in our small numbers when we come together to support these worthwhile causes.