A Sixth Grade Class Aims to Change the World One Wheelchair at a Time
Rebecca Pritchett teaches sixth grade teacher at Valley Forge Baptist Academy in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. After meeting Joni a few years ago, Rebecca became excited about the mission of Joni and Friends. This school year she shared her enthusiasm by holding a school-wide wheelchair collection event for Wheels for the World™.
Ms. Pritchett’s sixth-grade students led the wheelchair collection project by:
- Praying for God’s provision
- Spreading the word about Wheels for the World and wheelchair collection throughout their school and community
- Searching Facebook Marketplace and local thrift stores for used mobility equipment
- Collecting used mobility equipment from family members, friends, and neighbors
- Purchasing wheelchairs to donate
As the students worked, God began to open doors. By the end, they collected: 13 manual wheelchairs, 20 walkers, 25 sets of crutches, 15 canes, and additional parts. But their efforts didn’t end with collecting equipment. In fact Valley Forge students traveled with staff and parents to deliver their collected items to the Joni and Friends office in Lansdale, PA!
A Project with Purpose
Joni and Friends staff member Evan Smith visited Valley Forge Baptist Academy during the wheelchair drive. In chapel time he shared with students about the global impact that Joni and Friends makes for people living with disability.
Evan explained how Joni and Friends not only meets physical needs of people with disabilities, but also shares the Gospel of Christ with every wheelchair recipient and their families. Moved by hearing about the vision and work of Joni and Friends, many students stayed after chapel to learn how they can get involved, through volunteer and internship opportunities.
Several students expressed how their involvement in this project impacted them:
“This project showed me how many people cannot afford the things we take for granted.”
“We should see people that have a disability the way we see all people—we should want to help and care for people that have a disability.”
The students at Valley Forge didn’t just collect wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches for Wheels for the World. They changed their school by raising awareness about people with disabilities. The students served with their time, their hands, and their hearts. And you can make a difference too!
Support Joni and Friends Pennsylvania
God is doing incredible things in Pennsylvania. Your generous support ensures that more and more families living under the strain of disability can experience the miraculous power of Jesus!
