I am the Principal of SHSU Charter School in The Woodlands, TX. I have been in education for over 30 years and never have had this experience, but this week during morning drop-off, our security guard who was directing traffic was struck by a vehicle in the street. Thankfully, it was not worse, but Mr. Charles, as we call him, sustained injuries and was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he underwent surgery. He has to stay off his leg for two months, which will affect his ability to work.

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Kim, who was by his side. She is a teacher, and she and I spoke for an hour about how she and Charles met and married and about his love for serving our small school. Mr. Charles is a quiet man. He graciously helps us by directing traffic each day and doesn’t have a lot to say in the process. Today, his wife shared with me that he comes home daily and has a story to share, such as that a kindergarten student who brightened his day by giving him a thumbs up and saying hello to him, to name just one she mentioned. She told me that before he went into surgery, he said, “I’m just glad it was me and not a student.” That is a testament to his dedication to serving the staff and students at our school.

I would like to help Mr. Charles and his wife Kim with medical expenses that they will be faced with and the therapy that will be needed. Please consider any amount to help this couple through the holiday season.