St. Paul Middle Schoolers Spread Thanksgiving Cheer: Serving the Austin Community

​At St. Paul Lutheran School, we believe in nurturing not only young minds but also compassionate hearts. Our middle school students recently had the opportunity to put these values into action as they volunteered with a local organization to help pack and distribute care packages for amazing families within the Austin community.

Our 5th to 8th graders teamed up with Hope Church for a heartwarming Thanksgiving food distribution event. With eager smiles and sleeves rolled up, they embarked on a journey of service that would leave a lasting impact on both them and the community they serve.

Learning Through Service:

As they helped assemble and distribute Thanksgiving care packages, our students didn't just offer their time; they also gained valuable life lessons. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Empathy and Compassion: Our young volunteers were able to see firsthand the challenges faced by families in their own community. This experience fostered empathy and a deeper understanding of the importance of compassion.

2. Teamwork and Cooperation: The event required seamless coordination among volunteers to ensure that each family received the essentials they needed for a joyful Thanksgiving celebration. Our students worked together efficiently, learning the value of teamwork.

3. Gratitude: Serving those in need reinforced the students' gratitude for the blessings in their lives. They realized the significance of giving back and expressing gratitude for the support they receive.

4. Community Connection: By actively participating in community service, our middle schoolers forged meaningful connections with their neighbors. These interactions transcend the classroom and create a sense of belonging within the Austin community.

5. Servant Leadership: Through their actions, our students exemplified servant leadership, showing that leadership is not about authority but about serving others selflessly.

Brightening Thanksgiving for Austin Families:

The care packages our students helped distribute included essential items like groceries, hygiene products, and other necessities. These packages aimed to bring warmth and comfort to local families during the Thanksgiving season.

Our St. Paul middle schoolers' involvement with Hope Church's Thanksgiving food distribution was not just a one-time event. It ignited a spark of kindness and community engagement that will continue to shine brightly in their hearts.

We are immensely proud of our students for their dedication to making a positive impact on the Austin community. Their enthusiasm, willingness to serve, and open hearts exemplify the spirit of Thanksgiving throughout the year.

At St. Paul Lutheran School, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. It's about empowering our students to be compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens. We look forward to more opportunities for our students to grow as individuals and contribute to building a stronger, more caring community.

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, let us all take inspiration from these young hearts and find ways to share our blessings with those around us. Together, we can make every day a day of Thanksgiving.

​By Jessica LaShawn