Hearts for a cause

For the last couple of years, Lancer PTO at Mountain Brook Elementary has sold Valentine’s Day hearts to its students to support a local charity or cause.  

Proceeds from the Share a Heart sale this year will benefit Backpack Buddies, a program through Vineyard Family Services that reaches elementary children who are on free or reduced lunches in public schools. School breakfast and lunch might be the only stable meals these children receive each day. Backpack Buddies helps bridge that gap over the weekend and school holidays.

Teachers discreetly put packages of nutritious food items in the students’ backpacks each Friday to make sure the children will have something to eat over the weekend. The bags contain single serving, shelf-stable food items that are easily handled and opened by the child and easily transported to the child’s home or other living environment for their personal use over the weekend and holiday breaks.   

Sale of the MBE Valentine hearts will occur in early February with delivery to students via homeroom shortly before Valentine’s Day. Students are encouraged to personalize or add goodies to the cards if desired and distribute them to classmates, teachers, friends and loved ones.  

The hope of the PTO is that MBE children will show their love to others while helping support a great cause. Chairmen of the project are Amy Nunneley, Shaun Flynn and Carol Ann Phillips.  

For more information, please contact Amy Nunneley at amy_nunneley@hotmail.com.