Chocolates, jewelry, dates, and hearts- February is known for the spirit of love in the air, but most people forget to look beyond the superficial aspects of the season. However, this year Severna Park students dared to look beyond the glamour and expense, choosing to focus on bringing joy to those who are in less fortunate situations.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10 and Wednesday, Feb. 11, students gathered in Mrs. Earhart’s room and moved through an assembly line of supplies. Bags featured various combinations of toys, bubbles, crafts, bracelets, and handmade cards, all wrapped together in reusable heart bags with big pink and red bows. Each bag was slightly unique, reminding the children that they all deserve their own special dose of support.
“It was a really good way to bring people together, meet new people that believe in the same cause, and it was overall really fun to just work together,” Senior Nicol Chovanec, said.
All together, this project was a great opportunity to uplift those who’re struggling, while reminding students the power of community and serving a greater purpose.
“It’s important to give back to the community because it restores humanity in people, especially the younger generation, because it shows them what they should do in the future,” Senior Lilly Nagy said.
On Thursday, Feb. 12, the bags were dropped off at Golisano Children’s Hospital, and on Saturday Feb. 14, they were distributed to the children, bright and early. Joy was amplified this Valentines day, as a scary morning for many became more manageable, and some children received their first ever Valentine. While students weren’t able to give out the Valentines personally, nurses and administrators at the hospital shared their recollection of the morning so that students could hear how their impact was magnified.
Next time you’re feeling cynical about candy hearts and Cupid’s arrow, remember that Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show those around you that they’re appreciated, and most of all it’s a day designated to helping “spread the love”.
