The novel Pay It Forward was more than a compelling read for Joan Karron, an Ulster BOCES Pre-University/New Visions Education student from the Kingston City School District. After reading the book, Karron said that her classmates, along with the students in the Ulster BOCES Early Childhood/Educational Studies program, asked themselves what they could do to make a difference in their own community. This inspired a student-led project that focused on helping people experiencing homelessness.
Karron suggested contacting Blankets of Hope (BOH), a not-for-profit organization that provides blankets to individuals in need. While she has never experienced homelessness, she understands the concept of not being warm and not having a place to live and the benefits of providing blankets to people who live on the streets. “You can wrap it around yourself, and it’s like getting a hug, too,” she said.
In total, the aspiring educators delivered 75 blankets to three local shelters. As part of the project, students also completed a BOH workshop designed to teach empathy and kindness. The exercises included making inspirational cards for the recipients of the blankets. The students wrapped up the learning experience with the BOH’s 21-day kindness challenge, which consisted of doing good deeds, such as complimenting a classmate or offering help to a friend in need.
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