He grabbed each old jersey, one at a time, and stuffed them into an old athletic bag. Some cleats here. A pair of shorts there. Some socks for good measure and a few sweaters for warmth. Once the bag was full, Jordan pushed down on it, pulled both sides of the opening together, and with all his strength dragged the zipper shut. He was 13 and leaving with a youth pre-Olympic team for a week of soccer and sightseeing in Costa Rica with a special stop along the way: a local park where the local kids played. Everyone on the team was asked to bring a bag of soccer clothes to give away. “We’re going to leave this country just a little better than we found it,” his coach said. “You’re more than just soccer players now. You’re ambassadors, too.” The team bus pulled up to a grungy, deteriorated park. And it was packed. As far as the eye could see. With children. Playing soccer. But like bees to a hive, they swarmed around the young American kids as soon as they arrived. Watching. Waiting. Curiously wondering. Who are they? What are they doing here? Jordan and his teammates looked back, but had different thoughts. Look at their feet. Where are there shoes? Why do they have so much less? Then, one by one, the boys started unpacking the bags they’d packed in their bedrooms just a few night ago. The jerseys. The cleats. The shorts, socks, and sweaters.
And, as they started passing the items around, the local kids lit up like trees on Christmas morning at the sight of the hand-me-downs coming their way. Because when you only have one pair of shoes, it doesn’t matter if they’re ripped or worn, too big or too small, or the wrong color or style. There’s something on your feet that’s been missing for a while. And, in that moment, Jordan at such a young age learned a powerful lesson that never quite translated through the informercials on the TV screen: we have so much, too many have so little, and, like Jesus said, it really is more blessed to give than to receive.
We’re excited to announce this morning that we’ve partnered with a brand new organization called The School Sessions, a group committed to raising $200,000 on April 12 to build a 10-classroom, earthquake and hurricane-proof school for 220 students in Haiti. We and photographers across the globe will be offering special sessions and donating 100% of the proceeds to this cause.
As former elementary school teachers, education is near and dear to our heart, and always will be. Education, like shoes, is something we can easily take for granted, but we know all too well that for most poor children around the world and here at home, a safe place to learn and a quality education is the only chance they’ll ever have of escaping the trap of poverty, making a life for themselves, and changing their family tree. That’s why we care. That’s why this matters. That’s why we’re involved — and we’d love for you to join us. Let’s all make this world just a little better than we found it.
So, how can YOU get involved? There are FOUR ways!
1. If you’re a photographer, contact The School Sessions TODAY and get signed up to participate!
2. If you’re not a photographer but know one, please share this with them and encourage them to join us!
3. If you want to donate directly, contact The School Sessions to set that up!
4. We’re offering an anniversary session at a special rate on April 12 and donating 100% of the proceeds to The School Sessions. We expect our session to go quickly, so if you’re interested in getting some photos with us and helping an amazing cause at the same time, contact us today!
