This Wednesday, February 11th, during students’ enrichment time, members of the Bellows Free Academy National Honor Society (NHS) will be visiting Homestead Rehab Center to give handmade cards and homemade cakes to residents. Their goal is simple but powerful: to spread kindness, show appreciation, and give back to a part of the community that is often overlooked.
The project was inspired by NHS President Toby Hurteau, who focused on accessibility for all club members. By choosing card making, the club was able to hold the activity during the school day and provide all necessary materials, ensuring that every student could participate and that the project met equity goals. Hurteau explained, “The NHS members enjoy the card making projects that we have done because they are fun, easy, and take place during enrichment, so it is an activity that is respectful of their busy schedules with homework and sports.” Making handmade cards and homemade cakes, and making a visit to the nursing home, allows members to make a direct impact while building meaningful relationships with community members.
The club hopes the visit will brighten the residents’ day in a meaningful way. Hurteau shared, “A lot of residents in a nursing home would not have many family or friends visiting them so by making heartfelt cards and cakes and then delivering them in person helps them feel appreciated, loved, and remembered. The residents also seem to like seeing kids, so if we can make their day by visiting them, it seems like a great activity to do.” The in-person visit adds a personal touch that goes beyond simply dropping off donations.
However, this act of service does not come without challenges. One of the biggest concerns surrounding this volunteer effort is the risk of illness, especially with sickness currently spreading around BFA. NHS members are aware that nursing home residents often have weaker immune systems, making them more vulnerable. Students do not want to put anyone at risk, which highlights an important reality of volunteering. This awareness shows maturity, responsibility, and respect for the people they are trying to support.
Despite these concerns, the event reflects the core values of NHS: leadership, service, and community involvement. Rather than avoiding volunteering altogether, the club has taken time to think about how their actions affect others. That kind of thoughtfulness is just as important as the service itself. Hurteau explained how the project connects to the club’s broader mission: “Our goals for the NHS this year were to make a positive impact, as well as have a presence in our community and have community members know that the NHS is available if they need help. This project checks both of those boxes because we are positively impacting the residents at the nursing home, and being out in the community like this shows people that we truly do care and want to help.”
The NHS at BFA is led by President Toby Hurteau and Vice President Marie DeSorgher, who help guide the club in planning meaningful projects. What makes this organization stand out is that it is a student-run club, with teachers acting as supportive mentors rather than decision-makers. Students are encouraged to share their ideas and take initiative in choosing how they want to support their school and community.
Overall, the visit to Homestead Rehab Center highlights the Bellows Free Academy National Honor Society’s commitment to service and community involvement. By organizing an accessible, student-led project and considering the health and safety of residents, NHS members are demonstrating responsible leadership while finding meaningful ways to connect with the local community.
