The SLV Health Foundation was warmly welcomed into the halls of Haskin Elementary in Center, Colorado last month, as the school celebrated its very first Individual Career and Academic Plan Day.

Engaging Activities for Students

During their time at the school, Foundation members joined the students in a series of wholesome, hands-on activities. Together, they crafted cheerful cards for hospital patients bright get-well notes, sweet congratulations for new babies, and thoughtful thank-you cards for the nurses who give so much of themselves every day. Each card was lovingly colored and personalized, a small but meaningful reminder that even the simplest gesture can warm someone’s heart.

The day’s theme centered on showing students what it truly means to be part of a community. The Foundation helped them see that giving back isn’t just about grand gestures or financial donations sometimes it’s the quiet acts of kindness, like creating a card filled with love, that can make the biggest difference.

The Community Web

A particularly touching moment came during a special activity with the 5th graders. Using a ball of yarn, the kids created a “community web.” One by one, each student held the yarn, shared something they were grateful for, and passed it along. By the end, a beautiful, colorful web stretched across the room a simple yet powerful symbol of how deeply their lives are woven together.

Kelly Gurule, Foundation Director, closed the session with a heartfelt message about the importance of community, reminding the students that every person plays a part in lifting others up. As she spoke, it felt like everyone in the room understood: kindness connects us, gratitude strengthens us, and together, we can create something truly special.

Ariean Khoketkham, Foundation Assistant, remarked, "Students at Haskin Elementary showed incredible creativity and kindness during our visit. Some colored, some wrote notes, contributing to get-well cards, congratulations for new babies, and thank-you notes for nurses. They also helped create a Thankful Web, sharing what they are grateful for. It’s inspiring to see young hearts learning the importance of giving back to their community. The SLV Health Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to engage with such thoughtful students."