Each year Family Community Career Leaders of America works to bring recognition to Children’s Grief Awareness Day, a day dedicated to supporting grieving children and their needs. On Thursday, Nov. 16, Norwin High School students and FCCLA Club members recognized Children’s Grief Awareness by offering support and resources to anyone in need.
Created in 2008 in partnership with the Highmark Caring Place (a center for grieving children), Children’s Grief Awareness takes place every year on the third week of November. During that week, FCCLA members worked to create awareness and support throughout the high school for any kids who may have lost family members and the obstacles they may face.
“Children’s Grief Awareness Day is a day that we give support to grieving children who have lost parents, family members, or even friends,” said FCCLA President Kali Walkosak. “FCCLA works to come together and spread awareness on any obstacles they may encounter.”
According to the Children’s Awareness Day website, one out of 20 children will experience the death of a parent before they graduate high school, and that statistic does not include the death of siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or friends.
To spread awareness, FCCLA members decorated the high school’s hallways with blue streamers and butterflies, a symbol of hope for those who may be suffering. One way everyone can get involved is by simply wearing blue on Children’s Grief Awareness Day.
“To spread awareness, we added some facts and statistics about child grief on the school announcements to educate our peers on this topic,” said Walkosak. “On Children’s Grief Awareness Day, we encouraged students to wear blue to show their support. We also had a table at lunch where we talked to students about grief and educate them, while also supporting those who may need it. Students had an opportunity to sign a butterfly to show their support, as well as donate to the cause.”
All Norwin High School students were encouraged to wear blue on Children’s Grief Day. Throughout the year, FCCLA partakes in many events and activities to help out within the community.
“Initiatives like this one are what FCCLA is all about. We are always looking for ways to support and help our community, and support families,” commented Walkosak. “This year we plan on doing lots of activities to help support others. This holiday season we are staffing a toy drive to collect new, unused toys to donate to families who may struggle to provide gifts to children, and spread some holiday cheer. We will also do a sock fundraiser and donate the proceeds along with some pairs of socks to Children’s Hospital this Christmas to help keep people warm during this season.”
