TOP students delivered Grief Bags to Eisenhower Elementary.
Experiencing a loss can be difficult for anyone but during a pandemic, it can be even more challenging. Ottumwa High School's Teen Outreach Program (TOP) decided to focus one of their community service projects on supporting younger students who had experienced a loss during the past year.
"I found the idea for Grief Bags on Instagram, pitched it to my students, and they loved it," said Kolby Streeby, OHS Youth Counselor and TOP sponsor. Students then came up with a list of items to include in each bag. Bags included: a grief journal, coloring book/crayons, play-doh, stuffed animal, Kleenex, and a handwritten card. Bags were delivered to every elementary school where school counselors will distribute them to students.
"I definitely think our Grief Bag Project was a success and reached many struggling children," said OHS junior, Madi Miller. "Hopefully, it put a brief smile on their face to make their grief a little less painful."
"Community service learning projects are my favorite part of the TOP program," said Streeby. "Students work together to come up with ideas to better the community and the people that live here. When projects are complete, students feel proud that they have made a positive impact."
"I think the Teen Outreach Program really makes an effort to show how much we care for the community and want to improve the community with each project we do," said Miller. "The Grief Bag Project brought so much positive energy and support towards the children of our community. Every project involving the improvement of our community brings joy to the TOP group."
