THE JOY OF GENEROSITY
We are so pleased to have a new CareShare Coordinator with us this year! Erin Brewer was recommended by one of our PTO parents and is well-respected for her non-profit experience. She was in high gear within just a few days, reaching out to counselors, setting up a new Google email for CareShare, and improving our systems. I interviewed her recently on what led her to join our team.
JS: Tell us about your connection to Putnam City Schools.
EB: I grew up in Putnam City schools attending Windsor Hills, Western Oaks and graduating from PC West.
JS: Tell us about your first job.
EB: My first job was babysitting. Most of the great kids I got to care for graduated from Putnam City schools!
JS: Then what did you do for work?
EB: My job at the campus florist in college turned out to be more useful than I would have ever imagined. It's really handy to know how arrange flowers! As a professional, I spent a decade handling PR, communications and fundraising for local non-profits including United Way and Rebuilding Together. Then, I took over as General Manager at RedPin Bowling Lounge, the business my husband and I opened in Bricktown. We closed it after a 9 year run and lots of learning experiences. Now, I enjoy volunteering and carting my kids to their activities.
JS: What is it about CareShare that moved you to say yes to running such an important program?
EB: The holidays are my favorite time of year. I'm thankful for my childhood memories of joyful Christmas mornings and am lucky to experience that excitement with my own children now. It's been a tradition in our family to give back by adopting a family this time of year. It's the most fun we have shopping all year! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to lead CareShare and be a bigger part of a program that matters so much.
JS: What kind of impact do programs like CareShare have on children?
EB: No child should miss out on the magic of Christmas. Programs like CareShare remind kids that they're loved and valuable. Being remembered by "Santa" inspires hope that even when things are hard, there is good in the world.
JS: What kind of impact does this type of program have on the adopters?
EB: From personal experience, I know that playing Santa for a child makes a lifelong impact on the adopter by shifting our perspective to the things that really matter in life. For my children, it has brought awareness that not everyone's circumstances are the same and taught them the joy and privilege of generosity.
JS: What will make this year’s CareShare a success in your eyes?
EB: CareShare has always been a success and will continue to be this year! I'm looking forward to the stories we'll hear from school counselors about adopters' joy in delivering gifts and families' gratitude in receiving. I hope we serve more children than ever before and add more adopters from our community.
You can help Erin’s hopes come true by signing up to be an adopter TODAY at www.pcf4kids.org/christmas. This is a meaningful opportunity for your family to experience, in Erin’s words, the joy of generosity.
October 24, 2019