On Wednesday a group of kindergartners from Middletown showed the true meaning of Valentine’s Day by sharing gifts of love with new babies in Hartford.
Each year, the students in Gretchen McInvale's class at Spencer Elementary School travel to St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center's maternity department to deliver individually boxed baby items, such as a blanket, bib, clothing, a book and comfort items.
“It’s a day of love, this is a day of really what it should be about. It’s not about candy and flowers, it’s really about sharing love,” said McInvale.
The effort is part of the "Keep A Baby Warm" initiative that McInvale started 30 years ago to provide essentials to new mothers who might not have these items when taking their babies home from the hospital. All of the items are donated and many are handmade by community members. Kindergartners also signed each box.
In celebration of 30 years of kindness, former students showed up to support their teacher and the new generation of students giving back.
“It just really warms my heart to see all these kindergartners,” said Cameron Moskey, a high school senior in Middletown. “Just to see the joy that they bring and just really to share all these gifts and it's just warmth and love from everyone.”
Parents, including Erin and Steve Meyer, enjoyed the surprise Valentine’s Day gift for their baby, Sadie Rose.
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“It was very kind, especially to know all the kids put their time into making the box for all of the babies that are here. It's really, really kind and special and to share that message of giving and caring in the community that's really nice to see,” Erin Meyer said.
In all, 52 “Keeping A Baby Warm” gifts were given.
