SDA School public relations director Angie Perez told the Variety that the students — day care children to 10th graders — made over 100 inspirational cards through their “Cards That Make You Smile” campaign.
“It was amazing to see the students excited about making someone else feel better,” Perez said.
She added that the SDA Student Association has been involved in organizing many community service outreach events this year.
“We are proud to see Student Association officers develop in their leadership and to see our students desire to Live to Give,” said Perez.
Joy Lacorte, student association vice president, said she felt it is important to reach out because it makes the people you are helping feel appreciated and blessed.
“It also does a lot for yourself because when you give you receive so much more than you would have expected,” Lacorte said.
Lacorte added that she didn’t know what to expect but after seeing the faces of some of the patients and hearing what they had been through, she felt they needed those cards.
“I knew it would help lift their spirits. This experience made me realize how much you can help others by just showing a little kindness,” Lacorte said, adding that the small pleasures of life mean the most.
“Things like making a card, giving your time to listen, or even just a warm welcome or a hug, makes this world a better place,” she said.
Student Association secretary Yunic Miraflor strongly believes in the importance of taking time out of her busy schedule to help others and reach out to the community.
”It benefits not only the person that receives the help but as well the giver. By helping others, we think of their well-being and therefore, become less self-centered. We can learn so many lessons from caring for others such as patience, thoughtfulness, caring, and other values,” she said.
Miraflor added that the experience of handing out “Get Well Soon” cards was a blessing.
“Some patients like senior citizens were there with no families and it made me realize that no matter how bad or low we may feel, there’s always someone else that is going through a worse situation than we are. We should be thankful to the Lord that we are in good hands and pray for those who are not as fortunate as we are,” she said.
Student Association chaplain Ellie Eichenberger said in giving to the community, they got the opportunity to let the patients know that somebody cared for them and that is important.
“I enjoyed seeing people happy because of what we did. When we gave them the cards it brightened their faces and they seemed to be a little bit happier than before,” Eichenberger said.
Acting Deputy Secretary for Hospital Administration John T. Flores commended the school and its students.
“Words of kindness and encouragement are always the best medicine for our patients at the hospital. The effort of the students and staff at SDA is greatly appreciated,” Torres said.
