In one of St. Mark Lutheran School's second grade classrooms, students are busy creating cards to advertise their annual Bake, Rake & Take event.
"It's just a wonderful time to show love to others," explains Organizer and Kindergarten Teacher Vicki Boileau.
Every fall, for the past 10 years, students attach their handmade cards to a loaf of bread that they baked with love at home.
"Families step up. They don't just make one. They'll make two or three or four and send it."
Third and fourth graders then go door-to-door to hand out the tasty treats to unsuspecting homeowners. Steve Schommer and his wife always look forward to the delicious delivery.
"They've got some good people over there and some good kids," he says.
This year, they baked 160 loaves of bread. Along with the bread, neighbors receive the cards and a note from the students, offering seventh and eighth graders to come back another day to rake their lawn for free. It's a relief for the Schommers who are both disabled and unable to clear their yard of all the autumn leaves.
"For these kids to come down and do this is just, I just appreciate it so, so much," he says.
Eighth grader Cole Leatherberry is happy to help. "It means that they don't have to break their backs over doing hard work that some people necessarily can't do."
"It does take a little work, but it's a lot of fun seeing their smile," adds Eighth Grader Olivia Krahn.
Families who receive the services are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items as a token of their appreciation. Fifth and sixth graders collect and deliver the donated goods to St. Mark's and other Green Bay area food pantries to feed the hungry.
Students say the Bake, Rake & Take event leaves a lasting impression on those who give and receive.
"I think it makes all of us a better person, and it just makes us realize how blessed we are," said Eighth Grader Abby Schneider.
It's a circle of giving, and a lesson on the importance of serving others, that's bringing the community even closer together.
