Uncategorized
Spreading Love: Student’s Valentine’s MissionOur compassionate fourth-grade students demonstrated the true meaning of Valentine’s Day this year by collecting donations and assembling care packages for residents at Union Gospel Mission. UGM has a program for men and women who are trapped, finding themselves enslaved in various addictions – alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc. Driven by a desire to show God’s love in a tangible way, the students embarked on a mission to warm the hearts of the people currently working through the addiction programs and living in residence at UGM.
The initiative began with the students collecting monetary donations from their families, friends, and the school community. With the funds raised, carefully selected items to meet the needs of the UGM residents were chosen, including treats to bring a touch of sweetness to the holiday, practical necessities like toiletries, and warm socks and mitts to combat the winter chill. Grade 4 teacher Mrs. Juanita Moorhead even created homemade Valentine’s Day decorations to add a special touch to the care packages.
Beyond the material gifts, the students wanted to offer words of encouragement and hope. Each student penned a heartfelt letter to a UGM resident, sharing words of kindness and connection, and included a Bible verse to uplift their spirits.
Our Grade 4s wanted to show them that they are loved and not forgotten. They have learned about how much God loves them and wanted to share that love with others.
The culmination of their efforts will take place on Valentines Day, when the thoughtfully assembled care packages will be delivered to UGM.
It is the hope of our Grade 4 teachers (Mrs. Kathleen Hofer, Mrs. Juanita Moorhead, and Miss. Jaclyn Loewen) that these gifts will encourage the residents, especially during a time of year that can be particularly lonely and difficult.
Our Grade 4 teachers are excited about this outreach opportunity. “In class we talk a lot about how God’s love can be shown in many ways, and caring for others is a way to show God’s love. With Valentine’s Day, we talked about love in connection to what God has done for us and how that enables us to show love to others. We hope the gifts and Bible verses will bless those at UGM and remind them that they are valuable in God’s eyes” commented Miss. Jaclyn Loewen.
The students’ efforts served as a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Their Valentine’s Day project will not only warm the hearts of the residents; it has also instilled a valuable lesson about compassion, generosity, and God’s love into their own hearts.
To learn more about Union Gospel Mission and how you can get involved, click here.
