By Megan Erbacher, The Message editor
During Lent, students in third, fourth and fifth grades at St. Matthew School in Mt. Vernon spent the days leading up to Easter fundraising, collecting various items and volunteering so they could pay it forward to a local charity.
Keely Burkhart, fourth-grade and physical education teacher at St. Matthew, organized the project. She explained that students worked individually or in small groups to research charities before choosing one to focus on. They then spent about a month fundraising before presenting their projects after the April 25 school Mass.
National Pay It Forward Day is celebrated annually on April 28 to encourage people to do kind and selfless acts for others without expecting anything in return. The idea is that if one person helps another, Burkhart explained, that person may help someone else, creating a chain of kindness that spreads across communities, cities and even the world.
Instead of paying someone back for their kindness, you “pay it forward” by helping someone else. Burkhart said small acts of generosity can lead to big changes, inspiring others to do the same.
“Inspired by Jesus’ call to love your neighbor as yourself, this project helps students not only learn about sharing and compassion but to put that love into action in ways that have a very real impact,” Burkhart told students, parents and charity representatives before the presentations. “Today, we are excited to share their projects, the organizations they supported and the good they were able to do with their hard work and faith in action.”
Organizations students helped through the project include United Way of Posey County, Isaiah 117, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, St. Vincent’s Angel Babies, River Bend Food Pantry, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Newlife Rescue and Adoption, Willow Tree, Trotter House and the Mason Mileham Memorial Foundation
During the April 25 presentations, Carter said he chose to pay it forward to Isaiah 117, which he explained is a charity that reduces trauma, lightens the load of child welfare services and eases the transition for foster families.
“I’ve chosen Isaiah 117 because I believe that all children deserve a home,” Carter said.
He decided to collect clothes, hygiene products and money to donate to Isaiah 117.
“My family and friends have been collecting items and money,” Carter said. “With all of their help, I am able to make a difference.”
Carter shared that he raised $217, 22 totes of clothes and numerous hygiene products.
“Through this experience, I have learned that giving back is very important,” Carter said. “The impact I have made has shown my family how helping others is very important to me.”
Isaiah 117 volunteer Ruth Yeager gratefully accepted Carter’s
“If you have a mom and dad who are able to take care of you and give you a wonderful home, thank Jesus because some boys and girls come to our house for a short time so their mom and dad can get the help that they need,” Yeager said. “So we appreciate this so much. Thank you, Carter.”
Ayriana hosted a bake sale with homemade organic dog treats, as well as brown butter sourdough chocolate chip cookies to raise funds for Newlife Rescue and Adoption (formerly Posey County Humane Society).
“I have chosen this charity because I love animals,” she said. “They help animals and help them get forever homes”
In total, Ayriana raised $678 for Newlife Rescue and Adoption. She also accepted donations of Purina dry dog/cat food and volunteered eight service hours.
“I learned that people need to respect animals,” she said. “The world needs to protect animals.”
Burkhart shared some of what the 25 students raised for the projects. Together, she said students raised $5,407.60, donated 21 service hours, collected 166 canned food items, made 10 homemade tie blankets, 72 sympathy cards, 22 totes of clothing, four totes of toys, two totes of hygiene products, four bags of feed and one dog bed, plus more.
“What an amazing journey this has been,” Burkhart said. “These students, through their passion, creativity and faith, have had a tremendous impact not only through the money that they’ve raised but also the love and service that they’ve shared.”
Through the project, Burkhart told students they became part of something bigger than themselves.
“You’re not just doing a school assignment — you’re helping real people and real causes,” she said. “Imagine if everyone in your school did this and inspired others — how far could kindness spread? … Remember: Even small acts can change lives. You are making a difference!”
