Day of Service gives back to community and local organizations

To educate the students on philanthropy and what it means to give back to their community, Blair Mill Elementary School participated in six different activities for the annual Day of Service. The theme this year was “Step Up & Give.” Students were encouraged to put their all into each station and learn beyond the walls of their school to help local organizations.

“Thinking about people that are less fortunate at a young age sets the ground work for later down the road,” said second grade teacher Patricia Duricks.

In Blair Mill’s gym, the students sat in groups and made after-school snack bags for North Penn Valley Boys and Girls Clubs. The students decorated the outside of the snack bags and made sure each bag had the necessary ingredients for a delicious after school treat. One student said, “This part is important because some people don’t have snacks and we make it so they do.”

Meanwhile in the cafeteria, students gathered around Doris Fox from Giving Tree to make toiletry bags for those experiencing homelessness.
“If you’re experiencing homelessness, you don’t have access to brush your teeth, take a shower or even get mail. The number one most needed item in the community is socks,” said Fox. Many of the fifth grade students included notes in the bag with positive messages like “You matter,” “You’re special,” “Keep your head up” and “Keep smiling.”

Over in the library, students designed cards to be distributed to first responders, active military members overseas and the Sara’s Smiles Foundation. When asked what they learned today, a first grade student exclaimed, “The number one thing to add is socks!” Other students chimed in, “Yeah! Socks are really important.” “You can’t forget the socks.” “They need socks!”

Blair Mill students were inspired by their school’s Day of Service. “I’m donating my birthday money to St. Jude’s Hospital!” said one second grader. “This summer my brother and I are gonna make a lemonade stand!” said another.

The school gives a special thanks to WAGS, SPCA, Valley Youth House, North Penn Valley, Boys and Girls Club, Scouts, Jarett Nature Center, Horsham Police, Horsham Fire Company, Sara’s Smiles Foundation, Giving Tree and Lincoln University’s chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., for coordinating different stations and inspiring students.