Earlier this month, students at Clear Springs Elementary worked together on a service project for families at the University of Minnesota Masonic Hospital. Second graders raised money for Davanni’s gift cards to give to families, which were delivered in a unique way – using decorated, donated pizza boxes. This project, called “ ‘Pizza’ my Heart,” has been a part of teacher Anne Holmberg’s classroom for several years, and this year, it grew to include all Clear Springs second grade classes. 

As part of the project, students decorated boxes to put these gift cards in, which were donated by Davanni’s in Minnetonka. “When it comes time to decorate the boxes, [students] love having this opportunity to brighten someone’s day,” shared Anne Holmberg, the teacher leading the project for the second grade classes. 

This year marks the fourth time Holmberg’s students have participated in the service project. What initially started as a small donation toward the hospital has grown into a personal connection between students and hospital patients. “We talk about how these kids and families must feel having to be in the hospital, and how happy they must feel to receive these unexpected gifts,” explained Holmberg. “It’s a big lesson on empathy and for the kids to learn there is a bigger world around us. Kindness matters!” 

This project has made an impact on students by demonstrating how kindness can impact others' lives. While talking with a student about these boxes, Holmberg shared that one student mentioned this surprise could bring parents to tears. “We talked about this as a class and how a little unexpected gesture or kind word can be so meaningful to others,” she said. “We can continue to spread kindness to others.”

Great work, Clear Springs!