If I just help one kid, I will have accomplished something.”  It bothers Drudy that some of the children have narrow views that don’t include lofty goals for themselves at this point.  “My goal is to give them a broader view of the world than what they now see.”

Her introduction to Neighborhood Service Council came via the hospitality of meals served to parents of children attending NSC.  Arapaho United Methodist Church has provided such meals periodically for parent gatherings and after Drudy saw NSC “in action” she decided to also work with the children.  Good move, as she’s now been working 2 hours/week for 5 years!  Think of the lives she’s touched in those yers.  

Drudy and her husband of 48 years are proud parents of two sons; one is a United Methodist minister and the other a high school basketball coach.  She proudly relates that she and her husband have taken each of the 5 grandchildren individually to Washington D.C. to visit all that our nation’s capital has to offer. 

Water aerobics helps keep the body moving, The Red Hat Society is a good diversion from daily stress, and her church, Arapaho United Methodist, has also been a vital part of her life since joining in 1974. 

A caring grandmother with seasoned listening skills is a double gift, not only to the children, but to the staff and other volunteers at Neighborhood Service Council as well.  Thank you, Drudy Jarrell! 

December 11, 2008

NSC’s Summer Program, “My Time,” Ends with a Big Day at the Raddison

NSC ended its 2008 My Time program at the Raddison Hotel in Richardson for a sumptuous lunch. After lunch the kids put on a fashion show, then changed into their bathing suits and enjoyed the hotel’s pool. Thanks to Gloria at the Raddison for all her help in making this occasion special.

At Thanksgiving, NSC Kids Gave Thanks to the Volunteers

Th kids at NSC held a Volunteer Appreciation Party after school on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The kids made the decorations, designed the pretty invitations, and thoughtfully hosted each volunteer who attended. Great party! 

Dallas Junior Forum Scores with Its Halloween/Fall Festival! 

Dallas Junior Forum (www.dallasjuniorforum.org) never stops loving the children of our community, as is manifest in their long-time support of NSC. DJF provides four splendid seasonal after-school parties for the kids of NSC. Pumpkin decorating was the theme of this Halloween/Fall Festival, planned and executed beautifully by Maria I Diaz, Clare Haislip, Sylvia Graham, Judy Searight, Renee Enze and Sheila Wilson. 

Carolyn Stewart Is Honored by Helping Agencies Serving Richardson

Congratulations to NSC Board member Carolyn Stewart for having been nominated by Helping Agencies Serving Richardson as 2008 Volunteer of the Year in the Humanitarian category! Carolyn well deserved this honor for her 30 years of selfless effort on the behalf of young people. More than anyone else she is responsible for the soccer league in the district that NSC serves.

Arapaho United Methodist Provides a Meal for Family Night in October

On Tuesday, October 14, NSC’s  Family Night featured a fine dinner contributed by Arapaho United Methodist Church.  Many thanks to Shirley Howard and Joyce Patton for executing this dinner!!  Shirley is Arapaho UMC’s representative to NSC.  Shawn gave a splendid talk on "How to Help Your Children with Their Homework."

Family Night Was a Real Treat in November As Well

The November 2008 Family Night on November 11 was also a special treat. Miss Alicia and Miss Fleta, NSC counselors who are studying to be chefs, taught the parents, mothers and dads alike, how to prepare some favorite recipes.  The parents then fed their creations to the children. Thanks, Fleta and Alicia!    

Hip, Hip Hooray, All Saints Catholic, for Bringing Snacks for the Kids!

Recently NSC’s supply of after-school snacks was running low, and NSC appealed to All Saints Catholic Church for help. Barbara Stieber, All Saints Catholic's representative to NSC, brought over to NSC a literal truck load of snacks and drinks that save us about $50 per week.  Thanks, All Saints! 

Thanks to the City of Dallas for School Supplies

The City of Dallas called in August with the news that they had school supplies for 100 6^th and 7^th grade students that they wished to donate to NSC These supplies were distributed to students entering the after-school program. Many thanks to the City of Dallas for thinking of the kids in NSC! 

Van Drivers Needed

NSC now owns two vans that it uses to pick up the kids after school.  Drivers do not have to have a special license.  Drivers serve one day a week, from 2:30 to 3:45.  This is a fine way not only to be of service but also to see the kids at first hand and thus realize how much you mean to them, and they to you.  Please phone NSC at 972-239-3501 to find out more about driving the NSC van one day a week!

Money, As Always

This is the time of year when we are all deluged with requests for charitable contributions.  Why should you select NSC in particular when you write checks for your end-of-the-year donations?  Simply because, among all the deserving agencies, NSC is the one that uses your money right here in your community, where you benefit directly. You can drop by NSC’s Operations Center at 13539 Peyton Drive in Dallas on any weekday afternoon after 4 PM to see exactly what is being done with your money!  Please mail your check to Neighborhood Service Council, 7700 Spring Valley Road, Dallas TX 75254.