REMSEN, Iowa (KTIV) -
It's not uncommon to see students working on cards before Christmas. But after the shooting in Newtown, Conn., these cards aren't about joy.
"Just one person is a big deal, but to lose a whole 20 would be tragic, I can't even imagine," said Colin Schroeder, an 8th grader at St. Catherine's-St. Mary's Elementary.
They are designed to bring comfort to the kids at Sandy Hook Elementary, who are coping with the loss of their classmates. At a recent faculty meeting, Remsen St. Mary's teachers looked at a recent tragedy in their own community for inspiration.
"Other schools sent us spiritual bouquets, which were very uplifting and we thought this might be something to do for the people of Newtown," said Elizabeth Gibney, principal.
"Every class is doing something different, so hopefully everyone has something different and just goes through to them," said Roman Staab, an 8th grader.
"We're putting flowers on it, and we're putting prayers and telling them we feel sorry for them," said Wesley Galles, a 3rd grader.
Each class prepared cards by hand, or on the computer. Then, all 150 students signed their names to the cards to show their support.
"We're thinking of them, we're praying for them. And we know that we at St. Mary's, we know what it feels like," said Jacob Wesselman, an 8th grader.
"It tells them we're here for them, if they need it," said Hannah Loutsch, an 8th grader.
Their own loss makes them want to help others.
"I hope they feel like everyone around them wants to help them and everybody's praying for them and we're here for their support," said Catherine Russell, an 8th grader.
The students are hoping this outpouring of support will complement the support coming from other parts of the country and let Sandy Hook's students know they're not the only ones who care.
"That cross represents that God will always be with them, and when they read it, I hope that it just gets to them," said Mitchell Schiltz, a 7th grader.
With each signature, they're lending their love and sending grace, to a place nearly 1,500 miles away.
The cards from each of the classes were mailed off today, so that the kids can hopefully get them by Christmas.
All 150 students in grades K-8 at Remsen St. Mary's signed cards for students at Sandy Hook Elementary.
