Newlyweds Matt and Kelli Cameron recently went viral for selflessly collecting backpacks and school supplies from their guests instead of asking for weddings gifts for themselves!
Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools
When Kelli Carter got engaged to Matt Cameron in 2018, the two would soon begin planning for their wedding the following year. But with Kelli being a first-grade teacher at Roland Park K-8 Magnet School in Tampa, Florida, the bride-to-be thought that it would be a good idea to have guests bring bags and school supplies for less fortunate kids.
Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools
Matt was certainly very supportive of the idea, feeling proud that his wife wanted to help make a lot of kids happy instead of them collecting wedding gifts for themselves.
Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools
With Matt’s blessing, Kelli found a school to support. The Booker T. Washington Elementary School provided her a list of students in need of some help. In turn, Kelli created specialized wedding invitations telling guests about their plan, adding a link to their special Amazon registry, and invited them to bring those items to the wedding.
Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools
Each invitation was also tailor-made to include an individual child’s details, including grade level, gender, size, and relevant information.
Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools
“I call my class ‘my family,’ and I’m sure a lot of other teachers do, too,” Kelli explained in a video posted to the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ official Facebook page.
At the couple’s wedding at the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club in Tampa, Florida, as many as three truckloads of bags and school supplies were pushed out of the venue! The endeavor was a great success!
Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools
“Being a teacher, I put my heart and soul into the kids, and you try and give and give to them … How wonderful it was that we were able to do that, take something that was about us and help others. The kids who get the backpacks will be excited for that first day of school, and excited that they have that new backpack and new supplies, and are ready to start the school year,” Kelli explained.
Watch the video here:
📚 School supplies instead of a wedding registry?✏️Kelli Cameron and her new husband Matt asked wedding guests to bring backpacks full of school supplies for children instead of a wedding gift. The first grade teacher from Roland Park K8 donated 70 backpacks full of supplies and uniforms to students at BT Washington to get their year started off right. Congratulations Kelli, and thank you for your dedication and kindness. #weclimbtogether
Posted by Hillsborough County Public Schools on Thursday, July 25, 2019
Backpacks or Trolley Bags?
There’s a debate whether it is best for kids to use backpacks or trolley bags; however, many parents would agree that the bags should best suit what the kids need and bring to school. If they have a lot of heavy things to carry, trolley bags are better as these take the heavy load off their backs.
Photo credit: Facebook / Hillsborough County Public Schools