(SIS) — At Saipan International School, kindness isn’t just talked about; it’s put into action. This October, the school’s Kindness Crew, a group of elementary students with big hearts, organized a clothing drive to support children and families in need.
Donation boxes quickly filled up across classrooms as students, teachers, and families brought in gently used clothes of all sizes, from baby outfits to adult jackets. By the end of the month, the Kindness Crew had collected enough donations to fill three carloads.
During club time, under the supervision of Ms. Doris Materne and Ms. Amie McRoberts, students worked together to sort and pack clothes for delivery. One carload went to Kagman Elementary and Kagman High School to help restock their care closets, another was delivered to Child Protective Services, and the third made its way to Tinian Elementary School.
Fifth grader Miriam Flores shared why the group chose this project. “We decided on a clothing drive because people always need clothes, and children grow so quickly,” she explained. “We wanted to help families who might need a little extra support.”
For third grader Emma Jo Maras, the experience was both fun and meaningful. “Dancing with our clothing drive sign was such a small action to make so many people happy,” she said. “I hope the kids who receive our donation have as big a smile as I did while dancing and collecting the clothes.”
The Kindness Crew is part of the school’s service-learning program, which encourages students to live out SIS’s 4Cs — Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Creativity. Through projects like this, our SIS’s young Geckos learn that small acts of kindness can have a big impact on their community.
With news that NAP benefits will not be distributed in November, the Kindness Crew has already set its sights on the next mission: a canned food drive to help families facing challenges. Their continued dedication to kindness and service reminds the community that compassion, when shared, can truly make the island a warmer place for everyone.
The outpouring of generosity from our Saipan International School truly embodied the spirit of kindness and unity, said Ms. Pam Walsh, elementary team leader.
For Mr. Jambor, the SIS headmaster, this drive was a clear example of how compassion and love are key ingredients in a successful event.
