The situation unfolding in Flint, Michigan can make even adults feel overwhelmed and powerless. But not so for Fairfax Elementary School fifth grader James Greene. After watching the national news with his parents on Wednesday evening, he honed in on the fact that children -- kids his very own age -- are being affected by the water crisis. And he decided to take action.
His mother Lolita helped him search for local organizations collecting and transporting water to Flint residents and were pleased to find the South Euclid United Church of Christ as a convenient local drop-off location. But when James, 11, realized that his own family’s donations wouldn’t be enough to make a true difference, he knew right away who to ask.
“My classmates. Because there are more people in my school than in my house.”
He and his mother crafted a written message explaining his plan that they hoped James could share on the school’s morning announcements. But his teacher Mindalore Hamilton and Principal Andrett Calloway both knew they could do even better than that.
Ms. Hamilton, who’s had James as a student for two years, suggested that he visit other classrooms to read his message aloud. But as a shy child who usually avoids the spotlight, James wondered if someone else could do the talking part. Both his mother and teacher encouraged him to take the lead. “It got easier,” he said of speaking to the several classrooms of students he visited.
Then, while back in his homeroom, his teacher received one of those dreaded phone calls: “Please send James Greene to the office.”
“At first, I thought I was in trouble,” he said, but was relieved to learn that Mrs. Calloway wanted him to record a robo-call to all Fairfax families requesting water donations by the next morning.
Less than 24 hours later, the cars pulled up to drop off cases and cases of bottled water. By mid-day, there were over a thousand bottles of water stacked up in the school’s entryway.
James’ reaction to the outpouring of support was one of shock. “I really didn't think there’d be that much water,” he said, struggling for the words to describe his pride. “It made me feel really good. Both about myself and about my school.”
His teacher shared his surprise. “Honestly, I was worried we were asking too late. I pictured myself going out at lunch today and buying some water with my own money, just so he wouldn't feel bad.”
No need for that. Both of James’ parents have been collecting water at their work places and have arranged for extra cars to pick up the water from school. The United Church of Christ is sending an 18-wheeler filled with donations to Flint on January 31 for distribution through a network of churches and community organizations.
Fairfax families were happy to have the opportunity to give. While many had felt a desire to help in some way, this gave them a concrete – and convenient -- way to act. According to their mother, first and second graders Trevor and KayLee Kubach “didn't want to hear about another child getting sick from having to drink poisoned water. They don't want another family to go without when we’re able to help.” So the family grabbed seven gallons of water on their way to school conferences Thursday night.
“I love the Fairfax family,” said Lolita Greene of the school’s swift and powerful response. “That’s what this community is; it’s really like a family.”
Ms. Hamilton was proud “to see James thinking outside of himself and having the confidence to reach out to the whole Fairfax community. This shows real growth and development on his part and reinforces the International Baccalaureate traits of being caring and taking risks.”
James mother agrees. “This has really shown James what it feels like to be a leader. I noticed this morning that other kids were pointing him out to their parents. He doesn't usually want to be the center of attention, but this time it feels right. This experience has boosted his sense of worth.”
Other students in the building have learned and grown from the opportunity as well. Third grader Don’Queze Kimbrough was stunned to learn how bad things had gotten in Flint. “But, how could they let that happen? Why aren't they fixing it?” he asked, echoing the thoughts of many adults around him.
Later in the same day, Don’Queze showed the innocent optimism of childhood when he said, “I think they’re working hard to clean the nasty water to make it safe for people to drink.”
We can all only hope that he’s right. And in the meantime, James Greene will come to the rescue.