Dozens of Aspen Elementary fifth-grade students were relieved when school wasn’t canceled because of the forecasted Valentine’s Day storm. Despite their grade opting out of classroom Valentine’s Day parties, they were eager to be in school.

“We wanted to help give people who don’t have food a meal,” said fifth-grader Meika Phung. “It’s Valentine’s Day; we wanted to show kindness and give people a lunch and some snacks.”

Meika brought individually wrapped Nutter Butters, Oreos and other snacks. Other students contributed Ramen cups, muffins, apples, juice and more.

The 116 fifth graders lined up behind five tables full of food and packed 200 sack lunches for The Road Home family shelter. All the donations came from the students’ families.

Fifth-grade teacher Rachel Nevin appreciated the opportunity for her students to serve others.

“Many of them are privileged and have their basic needs met, so they’re learning the kids we’re helping might not know what they’ll eat that night,” she said.

Both students and parents were excited to support the project.

“These kids are showing love through giving to the community instead of buying treats for a party and they’re excited to do that,” said fifth-grade teacher Mikayla Miller.

Given the positive response, Miller said the fifth-grade team may organize more service projects in the future.

“Our kids are really eager to do more, and it’s good we’re instilling the idea of helping others and doing more, not just doing for ourselves; it gives them something to think about within their hearts today,” she said.

The idea to forgo classroom parties in favor of service came from parent Mindy Bush.

“I hope they learn to help, serve and be kind to everyone,” she said. “Some kids don’t have much opportunity to serve and giving back changes something in your heart—it feels good to help others.”

Through the years, Bush has rolled out service projects in all five of her kids’ classrooms on Valentine’s Day at both Aspen and Bastian elementaries. These projects have ranged from making fleece heart-shaped pillow kits for Primary Children’s Hospital patients to Valentine’s Day cards for seniors.

This is the second time she has organized bagged meals for The Road Home, after seeing their need on their website.

“When these kids were in third grade, I showed them a short video to explain why they were doing this,” Bush said. “After watching it, they were excited to make lunches for kids in need. Many of these kids were in third grade back then, and they remember the project. They were excited to do it again. Even my twins were like, ‘Please don’t let it be a snow day. We want to do our service project.’”

Originally, the fifth graders planned to make 100 sack lunches, but with the overwhelming response in donations, the number doubled. A few items were left over, and Bush, who works in the school cafeteria, said they will be donated to the 40 weekend food packs the school assembles for students in need.

Fifth-grader Jase Glassman understands not everyone is as fortunate as he is to have guaranteed meals.

“We’re helping out some other kids who can’t wake up to having a guaranteed breakfast, lunch and dinner,” he said. “I’m glad we’re doing this rather than having a party because I am helping other kids. We don’t know them, but it doesn’t matter. We’re helping people who need our help and that’s good.”λ