As the school year begins, many clubs also start. A number of clubs were formed last year, but stick around to learn more about “Sending Sunshine”!
Sending Sunshine’s mission is to combat senior loneliness, one card at a time. Students come together each Monday after school to hang out with friends, help the seniors, and make cards. Each card made is equal to 30 minutes of community service, so coming each week can equal crazy hours! As the weeks go on, there will be different themed meetings, like garden, fairy tale, or holiday themes as those months approach. These themes help members get an idea of cards they should make for that meeting. For each themed card made, some like to put in a funny joke that correlates with the theme inside the card. SHS freshman Aanya Patel, who is also the secretary of this club, said this “I am really looking forward to continuing this club, and I am most excited for all the various cards I get to make.”
Each card is crafted with care, displaying students’ colorful drawings and thoughtful notes inside. The materials used are donated by club members during supply drives, which can also equal community service hours. Donations include but are not limited to colored pencils, crayons, and markers. Non-members can also come and bring supplies, so if you need a certain amount of hours for community service, be sure to stop by.
While Sending Sunshine takes place at Seminole High School (SHS), it is a part of a bigger project. There are many different chapters of Sending Sunshine all throughout the world, with over 158,000 cards delivered worldwide. The charity drive has developed over the years, and was started four years ago. Many schools have their own chapter of Sending Sunshine, which helps everybody to come together in a way. By joining this club, you are also joining something much bigger than just SHS. When junior Raya Murad was asked what her favorite thing about the club is, she said, “I love how Sending Sunshine brings people together.” One of the main initiatives of this club is to help people come together, as it builds a healthy environment. Murad also said, “We all gather to help people, and it makes me feel really good! Me and my friends come to this club every monday, so it also lets me get closer to my friends. Overall, it’s a really good environment to be in and everybody is so welcoming and nice.”
The cards students make are delivered to senior living homes throughout the Sanford and Lake Mary area. Many seniors that are in these homes struggle with loneliness and isolation, so showing an attempt to reach out to them in this fun and creative way can go a long way. Motivating words can help them feel like they have a friend, or somebody that cares for them. Junior Fatema Hossain and 2nd year Sending Sunshine communications officer said this: “Last year, I was also in the same position, and it was really nice to reach out and know I play a part in this mission. At first I didn’t know what to expect from this club, but after being in it for a while I really like it!”
If you or any of your friends are looking for an easy and fun way to get community service hours and spend time with your peers, you have found the right place. The club takes place every Monday directly after school in Health Academy 215, hope to see you there!