I started last weekend feeling “that difference” that we all want to make. 

Last Friday was my first time making Big 5presentations with students at Paideia Academy on Linton in north St. Louis city. Big 5 is a fun, interactive presentation that emphasizes the benefits of healthy eating from the 5 food groups as well as getting daily exercise and 9 hours of sleep each night.

I exited the building onto the playground and stopped to answer a few questions from the kindergarten teacher about the status of Red Cross in Haiti. As I began to leave, I realized that I was being squeezed and hugged by my previous class of Big 5-year-olds. 

“I love Red Cross.” 

“Haiti does, too,” another chimed. 

“Red Cross loves you, too,” I responded.

I smiled as I walked toward my car. That’s the Red Cross mission…kindergarten-style.