Students at Smith Elementary School received a surprise when Ms. Danielle Smith, a civilian employee at the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, donated boxes of school supplies and presented several of the teachers with gift baskets and gift cards at a ceremony held in the school gym packed with happy and excited students. The week prior Smith led another school supply drive, this time for the students at Cameron Elementary School. Between the two schools, Smith and her fellow Soldiers and civilians from the NCOA donated 15 boxes of supplies worth $3,000. Selfless service is an Army value, and Danielle Smith exhibits that value by acting on her own, and in the processed inspired others to join in her generosity. Both schools are in the San Antonio Independent School District.
However, if you know Danielle Smith you would not be the least bit surprised. Growing up Smith did not have much, but what she did have was a heart of gold, and that heart has guided her way. She has never forgotten from where she came, and how blessed she is as an adult. Once while waiting in line at a department store Smith saw a family buying school supplies and spontaneously decided to pay for their purchase. She did not know the family, and they did not ask for help. That is just who Danielle Smith is, a person who practices random acts of kindness.
"I went to a school just like this", said Smith as she looked around. "I walked to school, and sometimes wore the same clothes because that's all I had. I want to do whatever I can for these children because when I was their age nobody came to our school."
Smith Elementary School Principal Vanessa Fox-Norton said her students come from working class families that struggle financially. Her students get excited with the smallest gifts. Having Soldiers give students and their teachers so many items made the children positively euphoric. Ms. Barbara Eisele, a teacher at Cameron Elementary, said her school was equally gracious and appreciative of the selflessness and service of Smith and the NCOA. "That was so gracious of all of you, especially since we should be giving to you and yours at this time, since you give so much of yourselves for us", said Eisele in thanking the NCOA.
Command Sergeant Major Napoleon Noguerapayan, NCOA Commandant, and Ms. Karen Archondidis, Deputy Commandant, attended the event at Smith Elementary. Because of Danielle Smith's generosity, the NCOA is working on joining the Fort Sam Houston Adopt-A-School program started by U.S. Army North. Through the Adopt-A-School program, Soldiers and civilians volunteer at local San Antonio schools take part in events, conduct monthly visits with the school principal, coordinate volunteer events, assist with career days, sponsor field trips, and many other activities.
Can one person make a difference? Most definitely yes, and Danielle Smith demonstrates the giving spirt of the Army.
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