A group of Grade 1 students from St. Joseph’s School made birthday cakes for mothers in Residents in Recovery sober-living facilities.
Each of the 52 students put together a cake tray. The trays included cake mix, icing, candles, balloons, a handmade card, and a can of Sprite.
Teacher Chelsea Veikle said the project helped students learn about kindness.
“We talked about the idea of how important it is for everyone to have a birthday cake and that some children may not have the same opportunities they have,” she said.
Read more: St. Joe’s students spread Christmas cheer to seniors
The project was part of Almsgiving during Lent.
“They are so excited and happy they are able to spread some love and show some of their Catholic values, like share their faith. Especially during the Lenten season, they are doing Almsgiving and sharing with others that may have less than they do,” said Veikle.
Tigra-Lee Campbell, operations manager, Residents in Recovery, accepted the gifts on behalf of the mothers.
“I think they will be extremely grateful and very happy for the donations,” she said. “I think it’ll be a positive experience for them.”
Campbell said the project helps build community.
“Every once in a while people need help,” she said. “That’s what we do at Residents in Recovery.”
The project was funded through donations from school families and a grant from the Beyond Borders Circle of Change program.
Parents contributed supplies, ensuring every student could participate. Veikle said the response from families was overwhelming.
“Our families really stepped up,” she said. “It was amazing to see how excited they were to support this project.”
Campbell said the cakes will bring comfort to mothers in the recovery program.
“These cakes are a small but meaningful gesture,” she said. “It shows the moms that people care about them and their journey.”
Veikle hopes the students remember this lesson in kindness.
“We want them to see how even a small act can make a big difference,” she said.
Read more: Persistence pays off for new playground
