Sisters Jaylee and Harley Gilbert of Hitchcock have big hearts. When Jeff and Michelle Clark of W.A.K.E. ministries spoke at their church about kids in need, the girls were touched. W.A.K.E. (West African Kingdom Ministries) worked to help make life better in that area. They did a presentation at the Bonilla church about their most recent mission trip. This included sharing about school-aged kids in Togo, Africa.

Brandi Gilbert said “It was a very eye-opening thing to listen to them.” Her daughters Harley and Jaylee felt sympathetic toward the kids. Harley said “We felt sad, because they didn’t have school supplies.” Brandi explained that school wasn’t free there, so many kids couldn’t afford to go. The ones who could had to make do with minimal supplies. “We felt bad that they didn’t have anything.” Jaylee said.

The struggles of those far-away kids stuck with the Gilbert girls. Brandi said “It kind of started out that they just asked if we could purchase some items.” But they talked about it more, and the idea of doing a supply drive at the church was formed. The girls spoke with Michele Clark, who’s a teacher at Hitchcock-Tulare School. Brandi Gilbert was also in communication.

The Gilberts were involved in their church, and always took part in Vacation Bible School. Brandi said that part of VBS was an offering, such as bringing in canned goods to donate. They opted to ask if they could do a school supply drive for the kids in Africa for this year’s offering.

Jaylee and Harley said that it was easy to get the other kids on board. “They had such a great turnout.” Brandi said. Lists of needed items were distributed. Brandi Gilbert said that donations also came from those who didn’t have a child enrolled in VBS. School supplies, as well as some funds, were given. Brandi said the latter came to about $500. They purchased more supplies, and donated funds to help cover the cost of shipping the supplies to Africa. “They get shipped over in a great big metal… like an oil drum is what it looks like.” Brandi said.

Jaylee said that they were able to get at least one of everything that was on the list. Harley said that they included candy as a treat. They explained that Smarties were chosen because they wouldn’t melt on the journey. When asked roughly how many miles away Togo, Africa is, Harley guessed “a lot.”

Community members said that they were proud of the Gilbert girls. The girls said that this felt good. The girls’ older brother helped to haul things into the car when it was time to take it to W.A.K.E. Ministries. They estimated that they had about 5 large boxes and a few smaller boxes full of supplies.

Involvement in church was important to the Gilberts. Brandi said that their church community was like family. She also said that they have a lot of young people in the church, which brought optimism for the future. Jaylee said that something they learn from church was to care for others. Brandi said that both of her girls were big-hearted.

The Gilberts said that picking out new supplies for school was a fun yearly activity. Brandi said that picking out folders seemed to be difficult. Harley said that her favorite supply was probably a pencil “so I can draw better.”

Brandi said that the girls feed bottle calves on their farm. Harley said she likes to draw, and to play volleyball and basketball. Jaylee said she liked to play sports as well. She said that the family has a blue heeler named Bella.

Brandi encouraged anyone who wanted to help, or who had questions, to check out W.A.K.E. ministries. The Gilberts said that community involvement was important to them. Jeff Clark said “To say we are proud of these girls would be an understatement!”

A post from Michele Clark said “Thanks so much to these amazing girls, the Gilbert family, the Bonilla church, and all of the kids that attended VBS. The students and teachers in Togo are going to be blown away by these gifts. This shows that you are never too young to be a world changer!”