I don't know if this is permissible to post, but I'm trying to raise funds to get some ukuleles for my first grade classroom. I have 22 students and my goal is to put a uke into every child's hands so they can perform an easy song at the school's holiday show in December. As some of you know, I teach at a school filled with impoverished students in a high crime area of Los Angeles. I've been enjoying playing for a year now, and I find it therapeutic and joyful. It's my hope to provide those same feelings to the children I serve.
If you have a used uke that you are willing to donate directly to me, that would be awesome; DM me and I will give you further information on how to send it to me at my school. I've been fortunate enough to find a kind and very generous soul on UU who donated three new ukes to my classroom this week, so I need an additional 19. Every bit helps.
I'm using DonorsChoose.org to help raise money to buy new ukes, too. The campaign through DonorsChoose will help purchase a dozen ukes. If you are inclined to donate through DonorsChoose, I would be extremely grateful. They are currently matching funds up to $50US for a short time. Here is where you can donate:
DonorsChoose.org Ukes for the Holiday Show
As for what I hope to teach the children to play for the holiday show, my goal is to teach a song with just three chords (C, F, and D), and an easy one at that. I'm rewriting the lyrics to the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" to be child friendly:
You can’t always get what you want.
You can’t always get what you want.
You can’t always get what you want.
But if you try sometimes, you just might find,
You get what you need.
I asked for an Xbox for Christmas
And a PlayStation too.
Under the tree were grandma’s best cookies
And she wrote on the card I love you.
You can’t always get what you want.
You can’t always get what you want.
You can’t always get what you want.
But if you try sometimes, you just might find,
You get what you need.
I wanted a cool Lamborghini
Or maybe a Ferrari that’s red.
I’d settle for a fast motorcycle.
I got a bicycle instead.
You can’t always get what you want.
You can’t always get what you want.
You can’t always get what you want.
But if you try sometimes, you just might find,
You get what you need.
Anyway, if you've read this far, I'm appreciative of your time and thank you for whatever help you can give.
Kind regards,
Ila