Thank you Hamilton Teachers!

Volunteers from Light and Life West, Church One, Community Grace Brethren, Fountain of Life, HANDS International, Kingdom Causes and new council member Steve Neal joined together to bless the Hamilton Staff with a continental breakfast on Teacher Appreciation Day

Teachers walked into the Hamilton library thinking it was a typical early morning staff meeting to receive testing packets for state-wide testing for the students that week. Instead they walked into a room decorated with pastel tablecloths, flower pots, an array of breakfast goods and drinks, and the smell of Starbucks coffee. Some teachers were so stunned by the display of gratitude, they didn't know how to respond. Volunteers welcomed the teachers in and guided them to the breakfast table, which was set with an array of bagels, donuts, fruit, yogurt, and juices. Many of the teachers marveled at the various Starbucks coffee. It is amazing to see how just Starbucks coffee is a treat for teachers. As the teachers ate at the tables, some fought over packages of seeds given as favors. On the seed packages a little tag said "Teachers plant the seeds that help our children grow". The leftover seeds were taken to be used in the school's organic garden. Principal Downing raffled off gift baskets filled with snacks, bath goods, and movies and gift certificates including passes to The Aquarium of the Pacific, Nino's Restaurant, and Target. The teachers became as giddy as their students while Principal Downing read off names. There were so many gifts, all teachers at the meeting received one and the rest were raffled off through out the day. All left the breakfast blessed, teachers and volunteers.

It was a privilege to show our appreciation for the work teachers do each day year round. The Church of the City was a beacon of hope during a difficult time for teachers. Thank you to all who contributed to the breakfast and especially thank you to the teachers who continue to "plant the seeds that help our children grow".

To see more pictures of the Hamilton Breakfast see our Facebook Album!