Students from Coolspring Elementary School recently delivered 54 care packages featuring a coloring book of their artwork for Franciscan Health Michigan City patients.

“On behalf of the Coolspring students, we would like to present you with these 54 goodie bags, which contain a student-made coloring book, coloring supplies and a sweet treat for the patients and families of the patients at your hospital,” sixth-grade student London Stupar, 12, said during the presentation. “We are hopeful that these donations will spread a little joy on this Better World Day.”

Better World Day is an annual, national event sponsored by the nonprofit EL Education. Students partner with each other and their local communities on Better World Day to celebrate meaningful student work that positively impacts the world around them.

The students developed the concept of creating a coloring book with pages of student artwork for patients at Franciscan Health Michigan City to color. The coloring books were presented in small backpacks also containing crayons and snacks with a card attached reading, “Please accept this gift to help you heal from Coolspring Elementary School students.” 

The card also contains a QR code linking to a voice recording from students saying, in unison, “Coolspring Elementary students wish you well.”

Nicole Ward, Coolspring art teacher, led the students in their project and said she was proud of their efforts.

“I think it’s a beautiful way to connect to the community,” Ward said. "Hopefully, it will impact the patients in a very positive way.”

Franciscan Health Michigan City Vice President of Mission Integration Sister M. Petra Nielsen, OSF, thanked the students for sharing their gifts.

“On behalf of Franciscan Health Michigan City, I want to thank each and every student involved in this project,” Nielsen said. “I am truly touched by the compassion and care shown by these young students for hospitalized strangers. Their caring hearts truly made our world better on Better World Day.”