Sixth-Grader Spreads Cheer One Sign At A Time

DEERFIELD, IL — Meredith Rivkin isn't letting staying at home due to the coronavirus thwart her studies for an upcoming bat mitzvah. Instead, the Alan B. Shepard Middle School sixth-grader is using the time to make a difference in the local community. Rivkin, also a student at B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim, recently launched a mitzvah (which means "good deed") project to raise money for local food pantries.

"I had something else planned, but I decided to change my project so that it would spread cheer during quarantine," Rivkin said. "I like art and quotes so it fit perfectly."

Rivkin designed and purchased 300 lawn signs, each featuring a bright, bold rainbow and the inspirational message: "After Every Storm Comes a Rainbow." The back of the sign has a note from Rivkin: “Thanks for your support. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay grateful.” It also carries the hashtag: #brightenthestorm. The signs sold out in less than a week and can be found across Chicagoland.

As of press time for this story, she had already raised more than $4,100. One-hundred percent of the money raised has been spread out to help the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry, Northfield Township Food Pantry, Moraine Township Food Pantry and the Hunger Resource Network/Hunger Free Northbrook, in support of 400 students.

"A lot of people have told me that they have been complimented on their signs from neighbors and friends," Rivkin said. "That makes me feel happy that the signs continue to brighten people's days. People are always impressed and gasp when I tell them [how much money I've raised]."

Another organization she's raised money for is Gratitude Generation, through which according to her mother, Jill, provided lunch for 75 Waukegan-area students. Meredith Rivkin is a member of the nonprofit's kids' board.

The project has been a family affair for the Rivkins as her parents, Jill and Loren, along with brother, Jacob, have traveled all around Chicagoland to install the signs, rain or shine.

"I hope my project might inspire other kids to do something beyond just collecting money and giving it away," Rivkin said. "I hope it inspires them to be creative and think outside the box. It's also great to have a project with a lasting impact."

Rivkin is continuing to raise funds by sending donors a PDF of the sign to print and post in their windows, both locally and across the country.

For more information, reach out to Rivkin at meredithsbatmitzvah2020@gmail.com.