ELY —Students at Washington Elementary School spent last week assembling care packages for residents at Carefree Living centers in Ely and Babbitt, learning valuable lessons about compassion and service along the way.
The school-wide project, organized by the Parent Teacher Organization, brought together every grade from kindergarten through fifth to pack 200 bags filled with essential toiletry items including soap, shampoo, conditioner, brushes, combs, and toilet paper, items that seniors in care facilities often need but may lack easy access to.
“We wanted to do a service project just to instill charitable giving to the kids and help them build that skill,” explained Heidi Vanderbeek, a PTO member who helped coordinate the effort. “We thought that doing it in school would be a great way to teach them about giving back to the community.”
Throughout the week, classes rotated through the school library during their scheduled library times to pack the hygiene kits. But perhaps the most touching element of the project was the handmade cards students created to accompany each bag.
Second grader Addison captured the spirit of the project perfectly, sharing what she planned to write in her card: “Sending caring thoughts and warm wishes your way.”
“It’s been really sweet to see what they write on their bags,” Vanderbeek said. “Even coming and packing the kits, they’re realizing this is toilet paper and silly stuff, but I feel like they’re understanding that it’s going to go to somebody who really needs it.”
The project involved at least one class visiting the library each day to assemble their contributions, giving hundreds of young students hands-on experience with community service.
The completed bags will be delivered this week to the Carefree Living facilities, with any remaining kits going to support other local charitable efforts, including the backpack buddy program or the local food shelf.