The Best Part of My Job

Last week offered me another incredible opportunity in my role as the Executive Director of The Wish List Project, highlighting the most rewarding aspect of my job. Mikey Langlois, a fellow Board Member, and I had the pleasure of distributing art supplies to some of our latest grant recipients at a local high school. We usually wrap up our Fall Grants cycle by January or February, gearing up for the Spring cycle right after. This time around, due to unavoidable scheduling conflicts, we weren’t able to fulfill the needs of everyone involved—students, teachers, and staff—until mid-March. Nevertheless, the positive impact of our efforts was undeniable for all.
Armed with four large boxes filled with artistic treasures, we used a borrowed wagon to transport them to the eager teenagers passionate about the arts. The moment we stepped into the classroom, the magic was palpable. The students’ excitement to discover what was inside those boxes was utterly contagious, spreading joy amongst all the adults present. We handed out the art supplies to each student, engaging in conversations about their passion for art, capturing moments with photographs, and even witnessing some begin their artistic creations on the brand-new paper of their sketch pads. It’s important to remember that for many of these youngsters, going home means facing unimaginable challenges, making these moments of escape through art a rare and cherished respite. For some, taking something brand new that belonged entirely to them might have been a novel experience.
As our visit concluded, the promise from the students to share pictures of their artwork with us was a touching moment. Leaving the classroom, Mikey and I couldn’t help but smile, feeling overwhelmingly thankful for the chance to make a difference through our work. These interactions, where we witness firsthand the impact of what our donors make possible, represent the ultimate fulfillment of our mission. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact!


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