Local Students Take the Lead in Spreading Kindness

Items thoughtfully collected and donated to teenagers at Bell Family Shelter and our Next Door Program.

Across York County, students are showing that compassion has no age limit—and their positive impact ripples throughout our community.

At Eastern York Middle School, students in Catherine Barber’s 7th-grade science class turned their classroom learning into meaningful community action. With empathy and enthusiasm, they assembled 50 hygiene kits for teens who are at risk or experiencing homelessness. These kits—filled with essential items and thoughtful extras—were delivered to our Next Door Program and Bell Family Shelter.

Meanwhile, the kindness continued flowing from Emory H. Markle Middle School, where students collected items to support individuals in Bell’s service programs. Their generous donations serve as a reminder that acts of kindness always make a lasting difference. Special thanks to teacher Kirstyn Taylor for delivering the items and instilling a spirit of service in her students.

From middle school to high school, students continue to do good.

At Dallastown Area High School, Allison Yeich and the members of the German National Honor Society (Delta Epsilon Phi) are making a growing impact. After helping relaunch the chapter with Frau Roberts, Allison has led the group in organizing school-wide cleaning supply drives. These supplies support individuals and families transitioning from Bell Family Shelter to permanent housing—a need Allison learned about firsthand through her experience with the Future Leaders of York (FLY) program.

These donations go a long way in helping people feel seen, supported, and ready for what’s next.

To the students, teachers, and donors behind these efforts: thank you for being changemakers in your schools and your communities. Your leadership, kindness, and compassion are lighting the way for a brighter, more caring future.

Allison Yeich and Frau Roberts with cleaning supply donation from Dallastown Chapter of the German National Honor Society.

Students in Catherine Barber’s 7th grade science class, at Eastern York Middle School, collected items for teenagers who are at risk or experiencing homelessness.