Living Hope Church sent handmade cards and gift cards to Powder Mill School staff. (POWDER MILL SCHOOL PHOTO)
SOUTHWICK – Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District staff were surprised recently with gifts from parishioners at the Living Hope Church.
Michelle Meczwyor, a district staff member, brought a surprise to teachers at Powder Mill School – handmade Thank You cards with Dunkin Donuts gift cards.
“Her brother told her that our school was chosen as the recipient of a special donation from he and his fellow parishioners at the Living Hope Church in Southwick,” said Powder Mill Principal Erin Carrier.
Staff at the school felt appreciated by the gifts.
“Our teachers were beyond thrilled to have received such beautiful handmade thank you cards that included kind words of inspiration and a generous gift card from Dunkin Donuts,” Carrier said. “It was wonderful to see the smile on our teachers faces when they opened the cards and saw how beautiful and detailed the handmade cards were,” said Carrier, “but must importantly it was wonderful for them to feel appreciated for all the hard work they do each and every day from people they have never met – it is so heartwarming to know that people do care!”
The cards were created by Living Hope parishioner Fran Berman.
Powder Mill staff offered the following thoughts and gratitude:
“Being in such an uncertain time in life and feeling so emotionally and physically exhausted, it truly warmed my heart to receive such a sincere act of appreciation, especially from a complete stranger. I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart.” – Shelley Roit
“This gift was so uplifting! To know that someone took the time to craft a handmade card warmed my heart. Then to discover a generous Dunkin’ gift card enclosed, wow! It made me smile. It is always nice to feel appreciated and during these trying times, even more so.”- Mrs. Bessette
“I felt happy to know that there are people out there who know that this is a very exhausting time for many professions, including educators. The demands on the educators are like nothing I have seen in my 30 years of teaching. We are all chipping in to do our part, but some days are very challenging. I sleep more and I drink more coffee! – Mrs. Hendrickson now Runs on Dunkin!
“This was such a wonderful surprise! This school year is a challenge for teachers and students, and we are all working so hard every day. Having a little ‘pick-me-up’ brought such a smile to my face. The cards are beautiful! Thank you so much!” – Mrs. Callahan
“It was heartwarming to know that this group of people noticed us. It was so generous and thoughtful!” – Mrs. Desmarais
“I feel compelled to spread some kindness! It’s so nice to be thought of and appreciated from our community.” – Mrs. Blohm
“I felt humbled and honored that someone I didn’t even know would give me a gift for the work we do with the kids. I love working with the kids for Speech/Language, so to get a gift for doing it was so thoughtful and made my day! Thank You Living Hope Church” – Melanie Kiniry
“Every day I feel blessed walking through the doors of Powder Mill. Being given the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of teachers and staff. Receiving this unexpected gift this morning, knowing that after the amazing people I work with will also receive it, warms my heart knowing the community also understands how amazing they are. Everyone is working very hard to ensure safety and educational standards are being met. It’s wonderful to see the community acknowledge us. Thanking them of their continued support and faith. – Renee
“I thought it was a delightful surprise. It is good to know that community members appreciate what we are struggling with. Struggling is an operative word here since nothing is automatic. Every decision or action has to be thought through in light of the safety parameters. Sometimes, it makes teachers feel all alone. This gift changed that this morning.” – Leslie Clark-Yvon
“It was a much-needed happy surprise during my very busy day!” – Nurse Ashley
Dear friends, It was such a lovely surprise to find your note and thoughtful gift in my school mailbox. It made me stop for a second and notice how I had been rushing around; it gave me the opportunity to really feel special and appreciated! It’s been quite a journey for us teachers, especially in these few weeks since school reopened, so it is very gratifying to think that you noticed how much time and effort I/we devote to getting everything set so our students will feel safe and ready to learn. It’s such an important job we have — thank you all so much for the encouragement and kindness you shared with me!” – Karen Muse
