- State College Area High School
- State College Area High School
Caring Campaign Helps Foster Children
If local foster children need some cheering up, Spring Creek Elementary fifth-graders have them covered.
During what they called their Caring Campaign, the students recently made personalized fleece blankets meant to comfort children adjusting to foster homes. The campaign was an alternative to the school’s traditional Arts and Crafts and Caring Fair.
“Our students were eager to make a difference for children in our community,” said fifth grade teacher Leigh Schmeck. “Their big hearts, thoughtfulness, and desire to help those around them shine through in their daily lives.”
The campaign was inspired by the My Very Own Blanket organization that helps children adjust to the foster care system. Created from the organization’s kits, each of Spring Creek’s blankets features a patch with a child’s first name and a positive message such as “Keep Smiling,” sewn on by paraprofessional Robin Burman.
“Creating blankets made me very happy inside knowing that a kid will get this blanket and feel truly appreciated,” said fifth-grader Sarah Alexander. “The hard work was very worth it.”
Noted classmate Elisa Tan: “What we did with the blankets is important because there are people who have to move from place to place not having anything. This small thing could cause a huge impact on somebody’s life.”
Students raised funds for the blanket kits by creating their own art for decorating mouse pads, ornaments, mugs and other objects. The fifth grade PTO fund also provided support.
Schmeck and her fifth grade colleagues Gretchen Fetterolf and Christie Villano were touched by their students’ engagement and dedication.
“The students at Spring Creek are remarkable people with great big hearts full of kindness,” Schmeck said. “Fifth grade will continue to do more activities that lift the spirits of others throughout the spring.”
By Chris Rosenblum