Students 'Hearts for Madison' Backs Business, Thanks School Staff

MADISON, CT —A group of 7th and 8th grade Polson Middle School students created 'Hearts for Madison' to both thank school staff for keeping them "safe while we learn," while supporting also supporting local businesses.

The students, members of Peer Helpers, a Madison Youth and Family Services program, found a way to say thanks to school teachers, custodians, cafeteria workers, office staff, administrators and aides while having the back of local business. The Peer Helpers group made dozens of wooden heart by hand and then painted and decorated them to "express ourselves and bring joy to others."

Then, with money raised from project sponsors, the youth group purchased 150 gift cards from Madison businesses. They then wrote thank you notes to Polson school staff and enclosed the gift cards "as a special treat."

"Part of the fabric of the Peer Helper culture is to contribute to the larger society," family services staff said. "We encourage kids to plug into a problem or issue or 'gap' that needs to be filled and we ask how can you contribute to the solution."

And Hearts For Madison was born.

In a YouTube video, the students tell the story and display the hearts.

"The COVID crisis has been challenging for our entire school community as well as our local businesses," one student said.

"We feel extremely grateful to our Polson school community for keeping us safe as we learn," said another.

"Our local businesses are the character of Madison, the town that we love," another Polson student said.

"Please join us and take a moment to thank a member of Polson staff today," one student said.

"We hope our display of hearts brings joy to the entire Madison community," another said.

"The Peer Helpers' 'Hearts for Madison' project has been a labor of love for the students who wanted to thank their Polson community and the larger Madison business community during these trying times. Follow the attached link to see how this project came to be and the love these kids put into it," the Madison Youth & Family Services wrote on Facebook.