In a youth culture that often revolves around electronics, designer clothes, and a “me first” attitude, students from St. Matthew’s School in Green Bay, WI have received national recognition for a year’s worth of service dedicated to making the world around them a better place. The school’s organization was selected as September’s “Kids Care Club of the Month” based on its solid commitment to service to their community. The St. Matthew’s club was originally started in 2001 by Liz Goldman, a fourth grade teacher. Jen Nemetz is the co-facilitator.
At their first meeting last year, the 16 students identified areas in the community where they felt they could make a difference. As Goldman said, “Although the numbers were small, the heart of each member was so large, we were able to accomplish great things.”
“Accomplish” is an understatement. As one of their first projects, the Club visited McCormick Retirement Home. Students and residents blended generations by spending time singing, dancing, playing games, and telling stories. In December, the students banded together at a local mall to ring bells for the Salvation Army. While many red kettles went unattended throughout northeast Wisconsin, the St. Matthew students answered the call for volunteers and brought unbridled good cheer and sweet music to the shoppers they encountered.
When the Diocese of Green Bay stepped in to manage the St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter, the student stewards of St. Matthew’s stepped up to the challenge. Using the school kitchen, they cooked a hot meal. They prepared spaghetti casseroles, warm bread, and veggies. Combined with donated drinks and sweets, they brought sustenance to more than 50 grateful people at the shelter that night.
On multiple Saturday mornings, the Club ventured to Paul’s Pantry, the local food bank, to package butter and eggs. In announcing the Club of the Month award, Kids Care Clubs wrote, “Some students did not care for this kind of work because they would have preferred to work with people face-to-face. They changed their minds, however, when they saw people waiting in line outside the pantry. They realized how much their help means to those who depend on the pantry to feed their families.”
In the spring, the Club assembled care packages for soldiers serving overseas, and included handmade cards and heartwarming notes. They purchased fleece and made blankets for children staying at a local hospital.
The last project of the school year was the largest project – a Hamburger, Hot Dog, and Brat Sale to raise money for Heifer International. With the help fo the St. Matthew’s Parish Men's Club, who purchased all the food and supplies, the Club raised nearly $800. The proceeds went directly to purchases of farm animals which will be given to families in need around the world.
The St. Matthew’s School Kids Care Club not only made a difference for others, but also impacted their own lives. Liz Goldman said, “It is awesome to see the faces of these children as they work to make a difference in our world. Their ideas are thoughtful, their actions are sincere, and their hearts are filled with love. I have such hope for the future knowing that kids like these are part of that future.”
A program of the Connecticut-based HandsOn Network, Kids Care Clubs work together to help others in their communities and around the world. Clubs are formed in schools, churches, synagogues, volunteer centers, and other community-based organizations. Today there are more than 1,400 registered clubs and 75,000 kids worldwide. More information on Kids Care Clubs can be found at http://www.kidscare.org/.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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