"Bare Necessities"
Merry Christmas!!
The season of giving is finally upon us. Christmas is a time
to give to our loved ones without expecting anything in return. I don’t think
there is any greater feeling than giving back, especially to those in need. My
platform focuses on giving to those who cannot afford the necessary things to
live. Bare Necessities is a closet within my school that holds everything from
mittens to toothpaste. It provides to families within my school district who
cannot afford the, “bare necessities”, to life.
I chose this platform due to a few personal experiences I
have had that impacted my life. The past six years I have lived with my mother
and two younger sisters. With my mom supporting us off of her single income
with no help from others, we struggled financially.
I also experienced something that has changed my life
forever. High school students are paired up with elementary students who may
misbehave during class, struggle learning, or could have a tough home life. My
younger sister and I share an “elementary buddy” and he had mentioned to my
sister that he could not afford to bring snack to school like the other kids.
My sister came to me wondering if I had any food in my locker and I had luckily
brought an extra muffin to school. Our buddy was more than grateful for the
muffin we were giving him but then told us he was going to save it for supper.
With tears in my eyes, I knew I found my calling right then and there. I was
going to do whatever I could to help this little boy, along with his six other
brothers and sisters. I was going to make sure they had food to eat EVERY
night.
I know what it is like to not be able to afford the small
things in life. I know how embarrassing it can be for a child and how hurt they
can feel, even when they can’t control how financially stable their family is.
I want to share my stories with others in hope to have their eyes open to what
some families are going through. I plan on sharing my Bare Necessities
organization with other schools in hope to have them open a closet in their
school to help families in their district who are less fortunate. I WILL
continue to help those in need in hope to change their lives for the better.
I hope you all are having an amazing holiday season!
Blessings to you all.
Yours truly,
Madison Johnson
Miss Teen North Dakota International