In September of 2021, Mitzvah Moms founders Gina Krouse of Lampeter and Gena Harting of Strasburg announced that there would be a Mitzvah Kids program for children age 5 and above. By completing good deeds, Mitzvah Moms aim to teach their children how to show kindness and look for ways to love their neighbors. The second Mitzvah Kids service project was led by 10-year-old Tate Reynolds, who decided to donate to an organization that helped his family when he was a toddler.

At the age of 2, Tate had croup, which is an upper airway infection that blocks breathing, resulting in a distinctive barking cough. Tate had croup before when he was 6 months old, so his mother, Heather, could tell this case was more severe. After attempting to treat her son's symptoms, Heather called a nurse, who told her that if he is able to sleep, he should be fine, but if she believed he should go to a hospital, then she should call an ambulance and not drive him herself. At the time, Heather believed Tate was sleeping; however, he was unconscious. When he tried to breathe, his chest collapsed all the way to his spine. After Tate was seen by a doctor the next morning, Heather was instructed to take him to the hospital. They waited in the emergency room at a local hospital for about four hours until Tate was admitted and then flown via helicopter to Hershey Medical Center due to his condition.

After spending one mostly sleepless night in Tate's hospital room, Heather spent the following two nights at the Ronald McDonald House. Tate's father, Curt, worked nights at the time, so when Heather slept, he would stay up with Tate at the hospital, and then he would go home to rest and take care of their dog.

While at the Ronald McDonald House, Heather was given toiletries and meals at no cost.

"When I left the house that morning, I was taking Tate to a doctor's appointment because he was having problems breathing," said Heather. "I had no idea we were going to end up at two different hospitals and have a helicopter ride, so I really was completely unprepared. (Because of the Ronald McDonald House,) I didn't have to worry about anything."

The family has been donating resources to the Ronald McDonald House ever since. In fact, for Heather's 40th birthday, in lieu of presents, she asked people to bring supplies for the Ronald McDonald House.

Tate presented the idea of donating to the Ronald McDonald House at the Mitzvah Kids' meeting in February. During their meeting, the children decorated cards for people staying at one of the organization's locations. Heather and Tate plan to drop off their donation of handmade cards and personal hygiene items either at the end of April or in early May.

"I think it's good to give the Ronald McDonald House stuff because they helped my mom sleep well when I was sick," said Tate.

Registration for the Mitzvah Kids program is currently open. The registration fee goes toward pins for each project a Mitzvah Kid participates in, a wall hanging for the pins, and supplies for projects. Although the program is intended for children age 5 and older, younger kids can sign up, but a parent will be more involved. Monthly gatherings, which will follow CDC guidelines, will take place on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, 101 S. Decatur St., Strasburg.

For more information about Mitzvah Moms and Mitzvah Kids, readers may search for "Mitzvah Moms" on Facebook, visit https://mitzvahmomsrock.weebly.com, or email mitzvahmomsrock@gmail.com.