STORY BY MYA MCDONALD
PHOTOS BY KERISA BROWN
With cold and flu season approaching, students of Fort Hays State University worked to brighten the spirits of others while encouraging a healthy environment by creating hygiene “blessing bags”.
On Wednesday, November 13, Circle K International hosted a service activity for anyone to participate in. The goal of the activity was to create a hygiene “blessing bag” to be delivered to First Call for Help, a nonprofit organization that helps those in need. In order to encourage good hygiene as the heart of cold and flu seasons nears, the bags were filled with objects such as deodorant, toothpaste, band-aids and snacks . Additionally, the bags were filled with encouraging notes, with hopes to bring a smile to the faces of those who receive the bags from the First Call for Help organization..
Many students felt as if the activity was a success, while it provided an opportunity to gain service hours and an opportunity to bring light into the lives of others.
“I think the blessing bags were a really great idea, because it brings a little bit of joy and happiness into people’s lives that really need it at the moment, so I think it was the perfect way to spread kindness and to spread cheer,” Circle K International club member Jessie Watson said. “I think that the community service projects really help out by giving a helping hand or encouragement to keep going.”
With roughly 50 students in attendance, the community service event proved to be a big hit to students on campus at FHSU.
“The room was really full, and we didn’t expect that,” Circle K International board member Jennifer Gonzales said. “I think everyone helped a little bit. Some people made the bags, some made little notes, and everyone got to mingle.”
Not only did students get to participate in the event to help others, but also to make them feel impactful.
“It helps to understand how truly necessary community service projects like these are for any community you are involved in. It shows that by doing good deeds, it truly affects who it is for,” Watson said.
Overall, the “hygiene blessing bags” project will benefit those in need, and provide a demonstration of community service for numerous people.