HONESDALE, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — More than 13,000 Pennsylvania students belong to Future Business Leaders of America. The non-profit prepares students for careers in business. It also encourages them to participate in projects aimed at benefiting the community.
In this week’s “Here’s to You, Kid” we take a look at three students who are helping mothers in need.
You would not think with all the diapers, baby wipes, and strollers being sorted that you were inside a restaurant.
But that is what’s happening inside a storage room at The Alpine in Honesdale. It is all part of a community service project by Honesdale High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter.
The project called “Motherly Grace” provides new and financially challenged moms with the baby essentials they need.
“We realize that these items and caring for a baby in general is a lot of work and it’s a lot of money so we wanted to be able to alleviate that financial burden for parents,” stated Jordan Patzuk, Honesdale High School, FLBA member/co-founder of “Motherly Grace”
“Right from the beginning you could just tell that this project was special and anybody who heard about it wanted to get involved and wanted to help out,” explained Laura Lockwood teacher/FBLA advisor at Honesdale High School
“Motherly Grace” began in November 2023 when students turned their idea into a team effort with “the Alpine”.
“A lot of teenagers don’t think like that and see the bigger picture and, you know, what a wonderful group of students they are,” said Gretchen Eifert owner, of The Alpine
Jordan later recruited classmates Liam Miller and Luke Murray to co-chair “Motherly Grace”. They solicit and collect donations for moms already struggling to pay the rent, put food on the table, and tackle other household bills.
“Well, it’s very impactful for this community because we’ve helped over 130 families, over 180 children within the community,” stated Liam Miller, Honesdale High School, FBLA member/project co-chair.
“I think the coolest thing that I’ve been a part of is it’s not just the school community that’s been a huge part of this but also just getting out and all of these organizations… Our local organizations have been able to help us out,” explained Luke Murrary Honesdale, High School, FBLA member/project co-chair.
Jordan calls the outpouring of support “overwhelming” to keep this space filled with items and help lighten the load for moms in need.
“Not only are we helping them out to be able to care for their children but we’re also giving them hope and at the end of the day that’s what “motherly grace” is so important for because we don’t want anyone to feel alone.”
“Motherly Grace” is looking for baby care essentials and other items an infant or toddler may need. Donations can be dropped off at “The Alpine” restaurant in Honesdale.
Here’s to you Jordan, Liam, and Luke.
If you know someone you think we should profile on “Here’s to You Kid”, submit a nomination under the “NEPA’s Children First” tab on our website.
