students hand out blankets of hope

The high school Diversity Club and National Honor Society teamed up to bring Blankets of Hope to members of the community.

Blankets of Hope is an educational nonprofit that helps students practice empathy and kindness in an impactful service-learning experience. The organization ships blankets to schools for free, then students participate in a 30-minute kindness workshop. Students then write handwritten notes of encouragement and deliver the blankets and notes to those in need.

Students from both clubs brought 60 blankets to the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen where they were quickly distributed. The Diversity Club has a long-standing relationship with the kitchen, as students have frequently spent time helping with meals in the past. The food pantry and community kitchen serves meals every Thursday evening with different local groups stepping up to serve and provide.

The service project was part of diversity week in the high school. The week culminated in the annual banner signing during lunches where students were encouraged to pledge to embrace diversity and stand against racism. Every year, the banner is displayed in the library until the next year’s is complete.

The Diversity Club has been successful in bringing speakers, authors and events to the district in an effort to celebrate our differences and make sure every person of every background is welcome in our schools and community.