Conestoga Elementary School students are learning the value of getting nothing tangible in exchange for their hard work.

This school year, counselor Meridith Eckroat started the Conestoga GIVES program. GIVES is an acronym for Giving Is Valued, Encouraged, and Supportive.

"It was a brainchild of mine," Eckroat said. "I was a fifth-grade teacher here for 10 years. Through that, I know in the wintertime a lot of kids would not want to go outside. I thought, 'What's something we can do that would give them an alternate activity on some days, but also at the same time, would be them doing something for someone else?' It's not, 'I'm going to come down here and make something for myself to take home.' It's twofold. Let's teach students to give of their time, and they're not going to get something in return."

Eckroat approached principal Scott Keddie, who was supportive of the idea. Then Eckroat went to the school's PTO and the group offered its assistance.

Conestoga Elementary School PTO president Christine Snyder suggested Eckroat look into Art of Recycle, located in Ephrata. Teachers or others affiliated with a school can get supplies from Art of Recycle for free. Otterbein United Methodist Church has donated all the copy paper the school needs.

Conestoga GIVES began in December when students made more than 200 holiday cards for recipients of Meals on Wheels. "We brainstormed ideas," said Eckroat. "Most had no idea there was an organization called Meals on Wheels or know what they do. It was an opportunity to teach them about what the organization can do for our older population."

A representative of Meals on Wheels told Eckroat, "It has been so long since somebody has made cards for us."

"She was so excited to get them," Eckroat said. "It's an opportunity for the kids to realize it's easy to do something nice for somebody else and not getting anything in return except for feeling good about yourself."

On Jan. 31, students created thank you/Valentine's Day cards for first responders. "It makes me feel happy," said second-grader Ava Charles, who created a card for firefighters. "I like that you can give a card to someone, and it will make them happy."

Classmate Isaiah Withiam said he wanted to make a card for police officers "because they protect us."

February's project is making bookmarks that will be donated to local libraries.

Eckroat goes into classrooms and explains the month's theme and tells students they have the opportunity to sign up for the activity. Students can also elect to go outside and play during that period.

Eckroat, in her third year as counselor, notes approximately 170 students, about half of the school's population in kindergarten through sixth grade, participated in the December activity.

She plans to continue the program next winter.

Keddie is proud of Conestoga GIVES. He said a community member read a story about the program on the school's website and was impressed by what the students are doing.

"One of the things it does is it teaches students how to give back to the community in a small way, but that small ways matter," Keddie said. "It helps them to show empathy and an understanding of others. Hopefully it starts a belief in philanthropy."