Blessing Bags offer support to those in need

In a fresh display of community spirit, the Ronan National Honor Society (NHS) students, along with their advisor Claire Hibbs-Cheff, have taken the initiative to support vulnerable members of the Mission Valley community through a collaboration with their community partner, Helping Hands of the Mission Valley.

Through their Blessing Bags project, these Ronan High School students are providing essential items and messages of encouragement to those facing crises or experiencing homelessness.

The concept behind the Blessing Bags is simple yet impactful. Each backpack is carefully packed with items aimed at offering immediate relief and comfort. Inside, recipients will find easy-to-make food, warm blankets, gloves, hand-warmers, and personal hygiene essentials.

But perhaps most importantly, each bag includes handwritten notes from the students, offering up messages of hope and encouragement.

Led by the altruistic spirit of the NHS students and with the support of the Helping Hands of the Mission Valley, the project aims to extend a small life-line to those who may be struggling to find stability or support within the community. By providing practical necessities alongside messages of hope, the "Blessing Bags" are meant to uplift spirits and instill a sense of worth in every recipient.

“I loved that this was something we did for the community and I think the little things help more than people realize,” said Stacia Aquino, a senior NHS student who helped make the Blessing Bags. Students involved in the project have expressed their commitment to making a positive impact and recognize the importance of extending empathy and support to those in need.

As the Blessing Bags find their way into the hands of those who need them most, they carry with them not only essential supplies but also the collective goodwill and compassion of Ronan High School students.

"In a world where teenagers are often seen as self-oriented and too focused on themselves, these Ronan High School students remind us of the idealism and goodness of our youth,” said Helping Hands Executive Director Jennifer Rolfsness. “They are beacons of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter and kinder future for all."