Such a fun night of service!
For our September KindCraft service project, we made 230 care bags for senior citizens. Ascension Catholic School hosted the event for KindCraft participants. Approximately 50 families gathered to learn about the importance of honoring our elders. We discussed some the needs they have and how a simple visit to see them can brighten their day.
Our goal was to fill 200 canvas bags filled with special items that senior citizens might need. (We exceeded our goal by 30 bags!!!) Each grade level at Ascension collected a different item for the bag. KindCrafters who were not able to attend also donated items to the event. Volunteers arrived early to help set up and organize all of the donated supplies.
Kids chose their favorite color canvas bag and started down the assembly line to fill their bags. They decorated a card with a kind message and attached a "Made with love" KindCraft tag. So fun to watch them race through the line with excitement! The bags were filled with a variety of items including pillboxes, hand towels, calendars, books, magazines, crossword puzzles, flashlights, and lotion.
All of the bags were donated to Catholic Charities. The kids helped load the Catholic Charities truck at the end. The bags will be given to seniors from several different programs. Camille, from Catholic Charities explained to the kids that their kindness will be spread through the following programs:
Friendly Visitors – this is a Catholic Charities program offered to seniors who live on their own without much family contact. They need social contact and someone to check in on them. We offer this program in 4 counties in Kansas.
In Home Support – Catholic Charities program that works with seniors who are homebound and need help (transportation, home cleaning, prescription assistance, etc)
Foster Grandparents – Catholic Charities program in KCK that works with low income seniors to help provide basic needs and social contact.
Two highlights of the night were when a 3 year old boy opened his wallet and said he had money he wanted to donate to KindCraft. He dug deep and pulled out 2 quarters. He was so proud and happy to share his money. Also, when asked what they thought senior citizens wanted more than anything, a young boy raised his hand and said LOVE. Well yes, buddy, you are absolutely correct! "Love is all you need" right?
Thank you to Ascension for hosting our event, as well as Catholic Charities for coming to speak to our kids. We enjoyed learning about your organization. ***For those at the event, I had ordered 300 bags, not 275 so that means we actually made 230!! Woohoo!!