Immanuel Lutheran School Comes Out For a Day of Service
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On Saturday, November 8th, middle school students from Immanuel Lutheran School (Valparaiso, Indiana) arrived at the 5515 building with in-kind donations, fall and winter-themed decorations, and loving hearts.
The day started off with a brief tour of our center, dropping off hygiene items, and placing students in groups to complete specific tasks. While some youth gathered downstairs to teach New Americans English, others got to work cutting paper trees, leaves, and other decorations to welcome clients and volunteers as they entered the building. Another group followed staff member, Gary Schaefer, outside where they swept and cleaned often neglected areas.
By the end of the morning, our property was cleaner on the outside and was filled with palpable joy on the inside where cheery students sat with English language learners and others worked on bulletin board decorations.
That afternoon, students got on the bus and headed to the St. Louis Zoo, where they met New American children around their age and younger. Around 70 students, chaperones, volunteers, and staff made their way through the exhibits, sharing their favorite animals with each other and taking pictures together. Though tired by the end of the day, the students and New American kids left with smiles and memories that will last a lifetime.
CFNA would like to thank Immanuel Lutheran School for making this special trip and blessing us with their time, energy, and hands. A special thank you to Mrs. Ellen Prahlow and accompanying teachers and parents for making this day possible. Lastly, thank you to volunteers and staff who drove families to the zoo and spent the afternoon with us.
By Yuria Bergt
Volunteer Coordinator and E-News Editor
If you know a group who wishes to share their skills and/or heart with refugees/immigrants, please contact Amy Zeigler at azeigler@cfna-stl.org.
