UrbanSpirit Rising, a Secret In-gathering Changing the World by Changing the Way We See the World
Who should read this newsletter? Folks who care about people who live in poverty; people who believe "justice for all" shouldn't just be a political platitude; people of faith who want to take a fresh look at the scriptures they hold dear; corporate citizens who want to be better neighbors. UrbanSpirit is a locally rooted organization, but gaining national attention as groups from all over come here seeking an immersion experience in poverty. Can this be the place for your group's next training event?                                         By the way, wonder how you got on this list?
Rev. Dr. Deborah DeMars Conrad, Executive Pastor    502-778-7211   PO Box 11434   Louisville, Kentucky  40251

Summer 2008 Drive to Support JB Atkinson Elementary School –

Hi Friends:

Every year, participants in our Poverty Immersion Week work at JB Atkinson Elementary School and come
away moved by the needs and hope of the children there. The administration is terrific, but is working against
the odds. Principal Dewey Hensley tells us that the school is among the poorest in the state (median family
income: $14,500) and is the lowest achieving in the state. Even with a phenomenal rise in test scores last year
(22%, if I remember correctly), the school still ranks last. Mr. Hensley is in his 3rd year, and is committed to
making a difference there. I recently asked Lisa Hirsch-Aarvig, the family resource coordinator, what they need,
and she gave me a long list. I have included it below.

There is one item that particularly struck me: Lisa and Dewey want college t-shirts – from colleges and universities
across the country – which will help keep kids focused on the possibility of college. They continually remind
students that college is possible, and kids pledge each day in assembly to aim for that goal. Wouldn’t it be groovy
for UrbanSpirit supporters and participants to gather 500 college t-shirts, one for every kid at Atkinson, so they
have a reminder of what is possible? I wondered if we could all work together to make it happen.

Can you solicit college t-shirts from your congregation or local schools? Send as many as you can. Or you take
a look at this list and gather whatever you think your supporters may be inclined to donate. The school will put
it to good use, and kids’ lives will be richer because you cared.

Thanks for caring. Together we change the world.

Blessings, deb

• hygiene products: shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair supplies
• cleaning supplies: general cleaning spray (ie 409), bleach, comet, glass cleaner, pine sol
• laundry supplies: detergent
• books: any appropriate for elementary age students, books that appeal to boys especially
• backpacks
• school supplies
• flash cards
• belts--all sizes, all kinds
• elastic waist pants -- sweat pants are great... s, m, l and/or kids size 6-14
• underwear--kids sizes 6-10, girls tank top undershirts
• gift cards--Target, Kroger, Meijers, CVS, K-Mart
• snacks in multiples of 500 -- cheese crackers, raisin boxes, breakfast bars, poptarts, fruit roll ups, popcorn,
                               oatmeal, individual pretzels/goldfish, etc. (nothing with nuts, please)
• journals
• sports equipment: jump ropes, frisbees, balls
• college t-shirts--kids-adult sizes, any college/university
• reams of multipurpose paper-any colors/white
• pedometers
• treasure box items--small toys, balls, stickers, rubber bracelets, trinkets, fun pencils/sharpeners/erasers
• shoes--kids tennis shoes sizes 11-3
• dry erase markers