This month we’re coming together for Joy and Tony Stalnaker. Their family, along with thousands of others along the gulf coast, are still reeling from the effects of the BP oil spill, and we have the opportunity to make a big difference in their lives (as they make a difference in the lives of others!).
Our main mission this month: To get them a car.
Their last two died, and they’re currently borrowing one. If you have any contacts or discounts in the car industry, let us know! This is a perfect way to show the power of community.
We find out why the Stalnaker’s need a car so badly (and how fun Joy’s original one was!), as well as a more in depth look at their current struggles, mostly brought on by the oil spill.
We’ve got a good head start on helping them get a decent used car, but we still have a ways to go. If you know of anyone who may be able to help, or who can throw in a few extra dollars, let us know! We want to make this Drop real special for Joy and her family, and relieving their stress with transportation would be HUGE.
When you think about teachers who have made an impact in your life, you think of the ones who not only help you understand the material, but will go above and beyond to make sure you’re doing the best you can with the knowledge, not only in the classroom, but also in life. Joy Stalnaker is that kind of teacher.
In this episode we get to hear from many of the kids she teaches and mentors at Church Point High School. It’s so cool to get to hear firsthand from the lives she’s impacted, y’all. We can’t wait to get down there next week and meet everybody!
Next episode coming shortly… it’s going to be a fun one ;)
We switch it up in this episode and bring you a handful of funny stories the kids have on Joy :) Including, but not limited to, her hilarious Halloween costumes, her dancing skills, and most importantly, her fear of squirrels! She cracks us up!
We love this aspect of Joy because it really brings in that whole human side of things. Yes she’s a killer teacher and inspires tons of people to do their best, but she’s also a total goofball too! And we find those qualities to be downright awesome.
Hope you enjoy this one! The next video is her big Drop!
Guys, this was one of the most fun Drops we’ve ever done. A 1,000 mile road trip, Southern hospitality, a big giveaway, a fantastic surprise, local special guests, and working with high school kids . . . such an awesome time!
The Stalnaker family was a pleasure to be around, and Joy’s class helped make every moment fun for us. Also, guess what? The video you’re watching here was shot by two students from her class. We loved getting everyone involved, and you’re gonna love the video. Enjoy!
Thank you all for your help in making this month special for our family! See you next time…
Total breakdown of all gifts given: [To check out the pictures, click here.]
Ford Mustang Convertible! WE DID IT GUYS!!! We got Joy a new car! Huge enormous thanks goes out to Britt and family for making this happen and completely putting their hearts behind it. The power of this community is absolutely incredible, and we wish them nothing but luck on their RV trip around the country. Thank you THANK YOU thank you! (And to Church Point United Methodist too)
$1,200 Check from the Love Drop team. Icing on the cake!
$450 from Kart Ranch – a family owned and operated family entertainment center. They sent over $200 worth of gift cards, on top for a check for $250! You guys rock.
PlayStation 3 as our team’s “special gift” this month :)
$50 Gas card from Pointe DE L’Eglise Texaco (thx guys!)
$50 Amazon gift card for Kindle books (thx Trinnie!)
Cinema Package! Courtesy of Crowley Cinema. Not only did they give the Stalnaker’s free tickets and food and special posters for the kids, but they delivered it all IN PERSON! It made such a difference that Joy even started crying. Seth and the Crowley crew didn’t know it, but they hadn’t been out to the movies together in over a year. It was awesome to have them celebrate with us.
Children’s Museum of Acadiana Package! Physically brought, and shared, by the lovely ladies of the Museum too! Adding even more joy to the entire presentation :) They brought an artistic basket full of crafts and membership passes for the entire family – which just so happens to be little Bradley’s favorite! You all rocked it out. (The next time anyone’s in the Lafayette area, I highly encourage you to check it out – it’s awesome!)
Lafayette Travel Package! Full of gifts and toys and a whole bunch of VIP tickets to local attractions. Thanks so much Lafayette Travel!
1 year family membership to the Zoo of Acadiana! (Great idea, Carey!)
Framed newspaper of Super Bowl champs, The Saints Given by Joy’s mom, and original Love Drop team member, Diane! It was wonderful meeting you guys in person!! Thank you for being a part of such a special day :)
Bags full of toys for Bradley & David – Packed with bubbles, chalk, battle axe (haha…) coloring stuff, water toys, and a whole mess of other fun kid stuff… big thanks to Sarah, Em and the gang for putting all this together :)
6 months of meal plans courtesy of MealPlanRescue.com (Thanks for always participating!)
6 months of coaching services from JRRSEHopeCoaching.com – Solutions for midlife parents, troubled teens, single moms & career challenges.
Star Wars DVD set sent over by Love Drop member Aldo
And a photo book to capture the entire day’s fun by GroupStory – mad love as always.
Thank you so much to everyone who made this day special for the Stalnakers! All our Love Drop members, our Forum members, Church Point High School, all the kids who participated throughout the month, Aldo & Josh for our free stays, and a special thanks to Catherine Guidry Photography for capturing the day’s events for us. See you next month! :)
We’d like to thank all 1,000+ members of the Love Drop community! It is each and every one of YOU that powers the project and enables us to touch lives and inspire others each month. THANK YOU for everything you do – together we are making a real difference.
