Members of the Bell Elementary Student Council made 20 kits for foster children in the area. The kits include a teddy bear, toothbrush, blanket, coloring book, and crayons. The toothbrush features a sand-filled hourglass to time the two minutes that is ideal for brushing.

 

 

Student Council advisor Meghan Leonard discovered the organization, Together We Rise. The group is dedicated to helping foster children throughout the country. One way they support foster children is encouraging people to make duffle bags for the children to keep their belongings in.

 
“It’s kids helping kids, and I’m glad it helps foster children locally,” said Mrs. Leonard. “We’ve had students here at Bell in the foster system, so it’s good to give back.” 

Student Council used money from the Christmas pancake breakfast and candy gram sales to buy supplies.

“I hope it comforts them. I talked to the students about how sometimes foster kids can feel sad or scared. If these bags give them a sense of comfort or belonging, that would be a success,” said Mrs. Leonard. 

 

 

“I think it’s pretty cool that we get to help other people,” said 5th grader Emily Flagg. “I hope they appreciate it.” 

“It hurts my heart that people have to go through that sometimes,” said 2nd grader Rylie Sellitto. “I hope they feel like they have what they need.”

 

Mrs. Leonard is finalizing which local organization will receive the bags.  Members of Student Council also included personalized messages on the bags.

 

 

“I hope they feel like they are important,” said 3rd grader Keagan Connors.

“I hope they feel like they deserve it,” said 4th grader Stella Irons.