Middle school can be a challenging time for any kid, but when Pinnacle Middle School principal Dr. Kimberly Stalcup heard about the challenges one of her eighth grade students was facing, she knew she had to help.
“The student and her mother are currently homeless, and alternating between living in their minivan, and sleeping in the warehouse of the company where her mother works,” said Stalcup. “It is very challenging – it just weighs on the student and it is a lot to carry each day. But at the same time, she is one of the most positive and kind students at the school. She picks herself up and keeps going – she is one of our best students academically, and such a humble person.”
Stalcup spoke with her student to see how she and the school could potentially help with some things she and her mother really needed around the holidays, and while Stalcup says it was tough to get the student to talk about what she wanted, Stalcup and her staff were finally was able to determine what the girl and her mother truly needed.
“It was very basic – some school uniform clothes that fit her, because she has outgrown what she has, and some warm winter coats for herself and her mother,” said Stalcup. “She also asked if she could get some food for her dog, who acts as an emotional support pet to both the student and her mother during this trying time in their lives.”
Stalcup decided to turn to the Erie community Facebook page to ask for help, and made a simple post requesting the basic items the girl asked for.
“The response I received has just blown me away,” said Stalcup. “I have never seen such an outpouring of generosity in my life. We have coats, new clothes, dog food, dog toys, and enough monetary donations to be able to get the girl and her mother a nice gift card to use for gas and groceries. I knew the Erie community was amazing, but this has been absolutely incredible.”
Stalcup is collecting donations now, and while her office is completely full, the donations keep coming in.
“It is so wonderful to see the generosity of strangers to this girl and her mother,” said Stalcup. “We are all hopeful they will be approved for housing before Christmas, but it is so heartwarming to know they will be receiving all of this love and support and these necessities when they need them the most.”
Stalcup is still accepting donations for the student and her mother. Anyone who is interested in donating can reach out to the school for more information.