For around 15 years, the eighth grade Builder’s Club has built hundreds of Easter baskets in April to send to kids in need in the hope of making their Easter more enjoyable. This year, their goal is to create around 200 baskets to send to places like hospitals and shelters. These baskets include things like toys, books, stuffed animals and games that are donated by every middle school advisory.
Math teacher and Builder’s Club sponsor Pascaline Straube will help deliver the baskets to three places: the Ronald McDonald House, Coalition for the Homeless and the Arnold Palmer house. This event is very dear to her heart, as she has been in the parents’ position before when her daughter was in the hospital for some time years ago.
“The way families outside the hospital took care of us during that time was just amazing,” Straube said. “Somebody caring for you while you’re in the hospital for your sick child makes a big difference.”
Donating these baskets not only makes the families feel happy, but it also has the same effect on the members of Builder’s Club. Eighth grader Maggie Rose Zissman feels charitable after putting the baskets together.
“It brings me joy because it shows that I’m doing something, and it’s paying off,” Zissman said.
Knowing that the baskets brighten a kid’s day isn’t the only beneficial part of Hoppy Easter for Builder’s Club members; it is also a way for the members to bond and enjoy each other’s company.
“I thought it was a good time for us to connect and help to donate and give children the opportunity to have gifts that they normally wouldn’t,” eighth grader Chloe Kang said. “I wanted to help out with the community and also make the world better together because it does take a village to get the job done.”
According to Western Connecticut State University, community service can help link you to others, make new friends and contacts, and increase your social and relationship skills. It also affects your body and mind by boosting your self-confidence and keeping you active.
In past years, Builder’s Club has produced around 300 baskets, but this year, they have not been able to meet that bar. This year’s goal is to get that number back up since they have fewer supplies.
“I would love to see the club members participate a little bit more when it comes to the building (of baskets),” Straube said. “And also the advisees bringing in more supplies in a more timely fashion because that would help us in the long run.”
Still, Builder’s Club continues to make a positive impact by allowing a community to spread love and joy to those around them.
“I think when you can open your heart and give to others, it makes you feel good,” Straube said. “It makes you happy.”