Little Hearts Bring Big Joy

When I grew up as a child, we always did a lot of community service projects in our small town. It always amazed me at how small gestures of good would bring such joy to others. The joy of doing community service and giving back to others is one of the values I wanted to pass onto my son.

Joey has attended Goddard School, a Pre-K school in Third Lake, for 2 ½ years. About two years ago I became the leader of the Parent Group. We conduct fundraisers throughout the year. The money is used to help thank the wonderful teachers and do fun activities with the kids. I wanted us to use some of money and start to plant this seed of giving back into the kids at Goddard.

After contacting three local assisted living facilities in the area the answer was very clear. For a second year in a row, we purchased ornament kits for the kids to assemble. We also took cardstock and had the kids turn it into holiday cards by coloring and using stickers. The kids loved doing the extra art projects. Arrangements were made to have kids from Goddard arrive at 5:00 pm during the dinner hour of the residents and present them with the cards and ornaments. The kids went to Autumn Leaves of Gurnee, Bickford of Gurnee, and Travanse Living of Grayslake.

It was obvious as soon as we arrived the impact, we were able to make on the residents. What might seem like just scribbles on a piece of paper suddenly became the highlight of their day. Everyone got smiles on their faces and asked the kids for hugs. As the kids handed out the cards and ornaments you could see it in their eyes and in their parents too! The residents were so pleased to see the kids. We even had one lady tell us she still had her card from last year! That’s when you know what you are doing has made a difference in her life!

I’m thankful to be able to teach not only my son but other kids from Goddard School the true meaning of the season!

Linda Perucca

Goddard School Third Lake Parent Group Leader