Students at Silver Lake Intermediate fill emotional toolkits for Rogers patients
05/02/17 09:05:am
Coping is cool…and not just in school! Members of the National Junior Honor Society at Silver Lake Intermediate School in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, learned first-hand how everyday items can be used as powerful therapeutic tools to calm one’s mind and body.
The students organized their own “Give for a Better Day” coping skills drive as a service project in support of Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation. Members of the society were paired together and given the task to create a box, or “emotional toolkit,” for patients at Rogers Memorial Hospital. Inside, the boxes were filled with coloring books, coloring pencils, stress balls, Slinkys, Silly Putty, and more. Many were also accompanied by heartfelt words of encouragement.
Lori Findlay, advisor for the group, explains, “The group is always looking for ways to give back to our own community. Personally, this service project touches me close, as I’ve known many children that have been patients there, and I am happy I can do something, however small, to make their stay more comfortable. We are so fortunate to have Rogers literally in our backyard, and it’s a privilege that we are able to do something for the patients.”
The students who took part in the drive also had a few words to say about their inspiring campaign. As middle schoolers, they were happy to create the boxes for kids their own age. It made for a more personal connection, and they felt they could relate with the kids receiving the boxes. They felt proud there was something they could do to help kids who are going through rough times.
The coping skills drive is a reminder that community members of all ages can take part in helping that in need right in our neighborhood. No amount of support is too small to make a huge difference!
