Seventh grade students at Delran Middle School have been learning more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic this school year. Team 7A, the Lambda Lions, have also learned the importance of giving back to the community by partaking in service activities throughout the year.
These service activities began in December as students that wanted to brighten a sick child’s day made over 150 cards for hospitalized children. This idea of helping others soon snowballed and January was dedicated to collecting items and creating 150 “sacks of love” for chemotherapy patients. All of the items needed to fill these bags were donated by the families of 7A students. Each student was able to fill a bag and complete it with a personalized inspirational note.
In February, students made placemats to be delivered with dinners for the Meals on Wheels program of Burlington County and in March, 7A students ran a book drive and donated 1600 books in celebration of Read Across America. Students recently presented these books to the Reach Out and Read program of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who will distribute these books to local doctor offices and children in need.
Lastly, the student’s acts of kindness culminated on April 12, with a Day of Service. This day was devoted to students making a difference in a host of ways. The day began with students making 35 blankets for Project Linus, a nonprofit organization that provides blankets to children for emotional support. The students also created 150 cards for our military men and women. To honor Earth Day, students planted flowers and cleaned up litter around the school grounds, however, the highlight of the day resulted in the students making 150 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to pack in lunches for the homeless.
As the school year winds down and teacher’s finish lessons, one thing is for certain, the most important lesson learned this year is called the “lesson of love”.
