An idea to help those in need in the community, that was the premise behind the Awaken Greatness Contest put on by the Archdiocese of Omaha. Students in grades K through 12 presented their community service project ideas with a one-minute video.
St. Thomas More was just one of the 71 schools in the Archdiocese of Omaha that took part in the Awaken Greatness Challenge throughout the month of September. Students of all ages could submit a minute long video describing their idea for a community service project. “I don't like to see people out on the streets with no home because they don't have any money or anything,” said 4th grader at St. Thomas More and contest winner, Eliana Lee.
Eliana came up with an idea for blessing bags full of products to help the homeless. “Socks, Chapstick, body wash, shampoo, granola bars, and deodorant,” she said. Each bag will also have a different hand-written note from either Eliana or one of her classmates. “Things to make the person's day like I hope you're feeling better after this bag,” said Eliana.
Out of 70 submissions, hers was randomly picked and Eliana says the act of helping others is something she has heard about both at home and school. “They tell me to help other people and not to just worry about myself,” she said. St. Thomas More principal, Gary Davis, says he's proud such a great idea came from someone so young. “We spend a lot of time talking about service and the importance of it and we do several things throughout the year to teach that to the kids, but this is an opportunity for kids to find out about something and do something about it all on their own,” he said.
Eliana received $1,000 in gift cards to complete her service project, hoping to make 110 blessing bags to hand out in the coming month. After her service project is completed she will receive a $200 Amazon gift card for being the first winner of the Awaken Greatness Competition.
