BY KARISSA MILLER

Union Grove Elementary students are learning how a simple act of kindness can help strangers in a time of need.

As part of a lesson on empathy, fourth graders sent cards and posters of encouragement to Hurricane Helene victims and relief workers.

“We told them we were writing to the flood victims and the people who were going to help our citizens. We connected it to talk about citizenship,” explained teacher Carrie Fulbright.

The the character trait of the month is empathy, she explained, and students learn how to show empathy to others.

Charlie Cheevey explained that empathy is another word for kindness. Many of his colleagues agreed.

Empathy can help people understand and share the feelings of others, added student Mikalyn Whitley, which can “help give other people confidence.”

Maddox Bailey said that when put into action, “empathy is saying nice things to people.”

After the lesson, Fulbright took some paper and markers and asked the students to write letters to people in western North Carolina. She emphasized the importance of using “encouraging words.”

Then he noticed that some of the students were taking out their Bibles.

“The students had been to the Good News Club that week and some of them learned new Bible verses. Others sought them out themselves. They wanted those verses to comfort the hurting,” Fulbright explained.

One student wrote: “Thank you Lord for all the answered prayers. I hope you are safe and well. I hope you have another amazing rest of your life.”

At the bottom, the student referenced John 3:16 and Psalms 56:3.

Books “show you care. You are not alone,” Payslie Manners said.

Some of the students mentioned hearing about the impact and devastation caused by Helene in western North Carolina.

“My first reactions after Hurricane Helene — ‘Wow,'” Nash Prevette recalled.

“I was amazed at how much damage there was,” added Liam Redmond.

Cooper Ward said he has a family member who lives in Swannanoa. “They found her, but it took a day and a half,” Ward said, noting she was safe.

Beef Jerky Drive

According to Director Keeley Ward, the letters of encouragement are part of a larger outreach effort for Hurricane Helene victims and relief workers.

Staff bake homemade desserts to help a local church provide a meal for aid workers.

In November, the school hosts a beef competition. The money raised will be sent to the Swannanoa area, where Ward has a connection to Swannanoa Elementary.

“Children can have a lasting impact and create a lasting impact on our neighbors to the west of North Carolina,” said the director.

Through all these efforts, teachers help students understand the value of compassion and empathy.

“This shows them that education is not just about academics, but about growing as caring and responsible individuals who support their community,” she said.

“Our Tiger students took the time to create thoughtful posters and cards for those affected in WNC. This kindness and creativity will surely bring comfort and encouragement to those facing difficult times. What a beautiful reminder of the positive impact we can all have, and our students at Union Grove are learning invaluable lessons about compassion and community,” she added.

Photographs