What is your MISSION?
School Rocks Party Box’s mission is to provide school parties, school supplies, and other school related items to children and teachers so every child can experience the fun of a school party.
What do you want to accomplish?
The goal is to provide underserved school children a party to celebrate a holiday or as reward the class for a job well done. We provide games, books, puzzles and other activities for the students to enjoy in their classroom.
What inspired/encouraged you to start?
Being a mom to a 1st and 3rd grade boy, I have always been involved in their classroom activities and parties. The children in the classroom have always had so much fun. I then realized how not every classroom is able to have parties.
Is there one specific moment when you knew this was what you wanted to do?
Since both my boys were in school during the day, I wanted to do something related to planning, organizing, and helping children. I decided to reach out on Facebook to see if there was a Dublin Mom/Dad who taught in a school I could “partner” with to host classroom parties. So many people responded – teachers who would love my help as well as people who would love to contribute and donate! At that moment I decided to bring the parties concept to any teacher residing in Dublin but teaching in an underserved school. I created a Facebook Page, School Rocks Party Box, as a way to share what we were doing and what items we needed donated from the community. Since I am in my first year of School Rocks Party Box I had to keep it manageable, I would love to expand to partner with more teachers in the future.
How did your life before children influence the mom you are today? (Work, experiences)
Before children, I was an Event Planner and Marketing Manager for a large company. Planning and organizing events was always something that came natural to me, so I was looking for something that I could do to fulfill my passion of planning and organizing and helping children at the same time.
What part do your children play in your current mission?
My first priority has always been my family. I love that the kids can “test” the crafts, games and activities - getting their “approval of fun” is important to me for two reasons – knowing the kids will love it, and as a way to involve my kids in what I am doing. They even helped me put together close to 100 Christmas goodie bags for a school party!
My children aren’t the only ones helping – one of my son’s friends asked for donations for School Rocks Party Box in lieu of Birthday Presents. I would love to see more children give back to others.
What lessons/values are you learning through this process?
I have learned that people are so generous and willing to help! The outpouring of donations and supplies are overwhelming – coming home to a front porch full of donations is such a heart warming feeling. School Rocks Party Box is about making memories for children and I can’t wait to do the next one! I also have enjoyed meeting these hard working teachers who provide so much out of their own pockets– I’m glad that the community is willing to help as well!
What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning?
I hope they are learning to recognize blessings. There are times where they give me things to donate, I am so proud of them for wanting to help others.
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
With my children in school most of the day, I use this time to work on sorting, organizing and planning party boxes. I always attend my boy’s class parties, so I make sure to plan all SRPB parties around that!
What can we do to support you in the community?
School Rocks Party Box accepts donations anytime big or small. School Supplies, craft items, teacher “treasure box” items, games, puzzles, books and more! Items can be new or gently used. For information about what items are needed and how to donate, join our FB page at “School Rocks Party Box” or email us at SchoolRocksPartyBox@yahoo.com
Tia Gannon
Mom of two incredible boys, and proud creator of “School Rocks Party Box”
Do you know of an incredible Parent With A Purpose in Northwest Columbus? Please send their information to robbis@macaronikid.com for an opportunity to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
