Dozens of cards were made for children during the Psychology Club’s Hearts 4 Healing event March 7. Students were given volunteer hours for creating get-well cards that were sent to pediatric units in hospitals throughout Florida.
“The turnout could’ve been better, but the people who did come used the club time very sincerely, and I value that a lot,” junior and vice president of the club Hunah Quadri said. “We ended up with a bunch of sweet cards and notes that were prepared to be given to kids.”
Students had the option of creating cards from scratch using folded blank sheets of paper or blank store-bought cards. They were given a small guideline sheet to follow, as well as stickers and markers to decorate. A lollipop was taped to the inside of each note.
“The atmosphere was very calm, joyful and welcoming,” sophomore Hlla Waregh said. “The quality was really good and the cards were super-cute, and it felt like a safe space.”
For each card completed, students were granted 30 minutes of volunteer time to count towards Bright Futures hours. The sponsor of the event, history teacher Sarah Scott, signed off on the hours after the cards were registered by the club organizers.
“I knew there was a possibility that some people wouldn’t put any effort into the cards in order to get those hours, but thankfully that didn’t happen,” Quadri said.
Cards would be sent to pediatric units around Melbourne and other counties. Junior Mariam Hassan arranged deliveries with hospitals as far away as Orlando.
“I love how many [students] we get coming back each time we’ve had the meeting,” Scott said. “I love the idea, and I think it’s a wonderful thing, helping kids feel better.”
Despite minor trouble contacting hospitals at first, Hassan was able to locate facilities willing to accept the cards. A Health First volunteer coordinator helped with the distribution to cities such as Palm Bay and Orlando.
“We made dozens of cards, and I’m really glad that they will be able to go forward to a good cause,” Hassan said.
By Amanda Madjid