More than 160 students at Conestoga Elementary are skipping the playground to make cards for community members and emergency responders as part of Conestoga GIVES, a program that provides a community-minded alternative to outside recess.
Led by Conestoga counselor Meridith Eckroat and parent volunteers, students in December made 200 holiday cards that were given to Millersville Meals on Wheels volunteers to distribute to homebound individuals.
For January, Conestoga GIVES (which stands for Giving Is Valued, Encouraged, and Supportive) is making Valentine’s cards for local EMTs, firefighters, and police officers as a “thank you” for all they do for the community.
In February, students will be making bookmarks to donate to local public libraries.
Conestoga GIVES was started by Eckroat to provide an indoor activity during recess in the winter.
“Not all students like to go outside during the winter months,” she said. “I was looking for an alternate activity each month that also provided an opportunity for the students to give back to their community.”
Conestoga’s PTO president Chrissy Snyder helped get the program started and has procured paper, pens and other craft materials from Art of Recycle, an Ephrata charity craft store.
Since it was launched, Conestoga GIVES has proven popular, with nearly half the student body participating. “I already have students asking when they can sign up for the January and February sessions,” Eckroat said.
Currently, each grade can sign up to participate one Friday a month, but Eckroat said the program may be expanded to more days next year. She hopes the experience teaches students the importance of giving.
“I want our students to learn and experience how good it feels to give without getting anything in return,” she said. “It’s also important for them to learn about the many local organizations that help our community.”
Many thanks to Mrs. Eckroat and Conestoga students and volunteers for their efforts.