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RHS National Honor Society, Helping Hands support those in need with ‘Blessing Bags’

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News from Helping Hands of the Mission Valley

In a fresh display of community spirit, the Ronan National Honor Society (NHS) students along with their advisor Claire Hibbs-Cheff have taken the initiative to support vulnerable members of the Mission Valley community through a collaboration with their community partner, Helping Hands of the Mission Valley. Through their “Blessing Bags” project, these Ronan High School students are providing essential items and messages of encouragement to those facing crises or experiencing homelessness.

The concept behind the “Blessing Bags” is simple yet impactful. Each backpack is carefully packed with items aimed at offering immediate relief and comfort. Inside, recipients will find easy-to-make food, warm blankets, gloves, hand-warmers, and personal hygiene essentials. But perhaps most importantly, each bag includes handwritten notes of encouragement written by the students, offering up hope and uplifting words.

Led by the altruistic spirit of the NHS students and with the support of the Helping Hands of the Mission Valley, the project aims to extend a small lifeline to those who may be struggling to find stability or support within the community. By providing practical necessities alongside messages of hope, “Blessing Bags” are meant to uplift spirits and instill a sense of worth in every recipient.

Stacia Aquino, a senior NHS student who helped make the “Blessing Bags” commented, “I loved that that was something we did for the community and I think the little things help more than people realize.” Students involved in the project have expressed their commitment to making a positive impact, recognizing the importance of extending empathy and support to those in need. 

Together, one community organization and a dedicated group of high school students can make a big difference. Their collective efforts serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of community bonds and the potential for positive change when individuals come together with a common purpose.

As the “Blessing Bags” find their way into the hands of those who need them most, they carry with them not only essential supplies but also the collective goodwill and compassion of Ronan High School students. Helping Hands Executive Director Jennifer Rolfsness shared that “In a world where teenagers are often seen as self-oriented and too focused on themselves, these Ronan High School students remind us of the idealism and goodness of our youth. They are beacons of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter and kinder future for all.” 

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