WEST ORANGE, NJ - Redwood Elementary School rallied to collect supplies for a meaningful service project to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and successfully packaged 288 "Kindness Kits" that were donated to the Holy Trinity-West Orange Food Pantry.

"In preparation for the event, students learned about Dr. King through videos, books, conversations and more," said Guidance Counselor Rebecca Beutel.

"They were encouraged to bring in items to be used to create “Kindness Kits” to be donated to Holy Trinity Church’s food pantry, in West Orange," she continued.

On Jan. 22, students and staff were assigned to classrooms throughout the building. Each classroom had students of all different grade levels, giving them the opportunity to meet new staff members and fellow students. Having students “mixed up” encouraged a sense of community, collaboration, and camaraderie.

During a 60-minute period, each group played some "getting to know you activities," as well as learning activities related to MLK Day. Students then worked together to sort and assemble the kindness kits, adding their own personal touch by creating inspirational cards to their bags.

"The staff and students at Redwood School were able to create 288 kindness kits filled with toiletries, snacks, warm socks and gloves, and learned a lesson in service in Dr. Martin Luther King’s honor," concluded Beutel.

Guidance Counselor Rebecca Beutel with members of the Redwood Student Council and their "Kindness Kits."