HONESDALE, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — More than 13,000 students across Pennsylvania are part of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), a nonprofit organization that prepares young people for careers in business while encouraging them to engage in community-driven projects. This week’s “Here’s to You, Kid” segment highlights three students who are making a difference by assisting mothers in need.
Inside a storage room at The Alpine restaurant in Honesdale, you wouldn’t guess that boxes of diapers, baby wipes, and strollers were being sorted. But this busy scene is all part of a heartwarming community service project initiated by Honesdale High School’s FBLA chapter.
The project, named “Motherly Grace,” aims to provide baby essentials to new mothers, especially those struggling financially. It’s a response to the significant burden many parents face when it comes to affording baby items.
“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 alleviate that financial burden for parents,” said Jordan Patzuk, a member of Honesdale High School’s FBLA chapter and co-founder of “Motherly Grace.”
Laura Lockwood, the teacher and FBLA advisor at Honesdale High School, spoke about the project’s impact. “Right from the beginning, you could just tell that this project was special. Anybody who heard about it wanted to get involved and wanted to help out.”
“Motherly Grace” was launched in November 2023 when students brought their idea to life in collaboration with The Alpine. Jordan later recruited classmates Liam Miller and Luke Murray to co-chair the initiative. Together, they organize donations to help mothers already struggling with rent, food costs, and other bills.
“We’ve helped over 130 families and more than 180 children within the community,” said Liam Miller, FBLA member and project co-chair.
Luke Murray, also a co-chair, highlighted the broader community involvement. “It’s not just the school community that has been a huge part of this; our local organizations have been incredibly supportive too,” he said.
The overwhelming community support has been essential in keeping the space stocked with necessary items, giving hope to mothers who may feel alone in their struggles.
“Not only are we helping them care for their children, but we’re also giving them hope,” said Jordan. “That’s what ‘Motherly Grace’ is all about. It’s important because we don’t want anyone to feel alone.”
The initiative is still seeking donations of baby care essentials and other items for infants or toddlers. Donations can be dropped off at The Alpine restaurant in Honesdale.
Kudos to Jordan, Liam, and Luke for their incredible work.
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