IN South Fayette Spring 2018 | Page 57

Spreading Birthday CHEER The South Fayette Lion Hearts Club at the Intermediate and Middle Schools sponsored a birthday supply and gift drive competition for Beverly’s Birthdays during the months of October and November. Beverly’s Birthdays is a Pittsburgh-based non-profit organization with the mission of providing gifts, decorations, and party supplies for children experiencing homelessness and families in need. Items had specific point values and the homerooms who earned the most points won a field trip to Beverly’s Birthdays to experience the magic of this organization. Because of the generosity of all classrooms in grades 3-8, over $16,000 in supplies and toys were donated to Beverly’s Birthdays through this drive. When asked about the overwhelming amount of donations, Josh Whiteside, Co-Director of Beverly’s Birthdays, commented, “This was the largest single donation of toys and supplies we have ever received at one time, and to know that it came from kids the same ages as those we serve makes it that much more meaningful.” Congratulations to Joe Becker’s 8th grade and Colleen English’s 3rd grade homerooms for winning the competition! During the trip, students had the opportunity to tour the Beverly’s Birthdays toy store and office, create birthday bags and cards for the recipients, as well as end the trip with a special pizza and ice cream party. We look forward to celebrating with Beverly’s Birthdays for years to come! SOUTH FAYETTE ❘ SPRING 2018 55