FBLA members with Haskell Elementary students during the Cards for Crafts with Kids service project.
FBLA Spreads Cheer, Cards, and Crafts to Children
Lakeland’s Future Business Leader’s of America (FBLA) went to Haskell Elementary School to spread some holiday cheer through the club’s community service project: Cards and Crafts with Kids.
Mr. Andrew Truong, co-advisor of FBLA with Ms. Jessica Geyer, told the Ledger, “The purpose of the community service project is to promote kindness and the holiday spirit among the children at Haskell School.”
The service project, which was spear-headed by senior Katie Dempsey and included students from grades 9-12, was a great experience for both FBLA members and the young students. Club members first read the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas to students. Then, students were treated to a project where they created Grinch masks.
Dempsey said the purpose of the project was to “inspire the kids to spread kindness and work with each other.” She said, “After we read the story, we talked about kindness. We asked [the kids] for examples on how they can be kind to others.” Dempsey said it was a great experience, and the FBLA members really bonded with the students.
Afterward the story and project, the elementary students were each given a special, personalized holiday card designed and created by FBLA members.
Haskell Elementary students reading the cards made for them by FBLA students.
On top spreading smiles and performing a community service, the project is a part of a competitive event for FBLA. Truong said, “This event recognizes FBLA chapters that successfully implement community service projects to serve the citizens in their communities. The project must be in the interest of the community and designed for chapter participation.”
Students who participated in the project will write a prejudged report and create a presentation about the event. FBLA members will give their presentation in Atlantic City later this year.
Prior community service projects from FBLA students involved going to the Wanaque Reserve Center and helping senior citizen with technology, like setting up e-mails or social media pages.
Good luck to FBLA on their presentation, and great job spreading kindness in our community!
