The Stress Relief club and Calligraphy club created and sent 400 thank-you cards to the medical staff of John Muir Hospital on May 21 in appreciation for their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Each of these cards was hand made by members of the 2 clubs and included messages which were submitted via Google Forms from participating students.

According to organizer junior Erika Riedel, co-president of the Stress Relief Club, the club wanted to give other students the opportunity to be involved.

“Teenagers don’t have the best reputation for following social distancing guidelines or being appreciative so I thought that getting students involved with this project would show John Muir workers that we truly care,” said Riedel.

Junior Justine Ellery, co-president of the Calligraphy Club, designed the cards. She also valued student input in these cards as it “felt it was more genuine,” and “shows the workers that a lot of people do really care about them.”

“Their dedication and importance should be recognized by everyone, and especially by students because we are the future, and they are our role models,” said Ellery.

After hearing about the tremendous stress that medical workers have been under during the pandemic, Riedel wanted to show her support for these essential workers and thought that her club was the best way to do so.

“[Junior] Sophie [Webster] and I have created this club as a way to acknowledge and help students when they are stressed. However, in these trying times, it is essential workers like the John Muir staff who need this support the most and we were happy to shift our focus towards that,” said Riedel.

Ellery also saw the Calligraphy Club as being beneficial to this exchange as they have “always aspired to do work for local charities and organizations.”

“If we can spread the joy of calligraphy, then our goal has been fulfilled,” said Ellery.

Senior Kimya Peyvan’s “heart goes out to those working in the front line,” so she decided to help make the cards as she was confident that “with a lot of people’s input the project would be successful.”

The club received pictures of John Muir staff excitedly receiving their cards. Riedel says that creating these cards taught her to “put everything into perspective,” and recognize the privilege that she and her family have in staying home during this pandemic.

According to Peyvan, she learned that even a small act of gratitude can “have a big impact,” and can “bring the community together.”

For Ellery, in helping to organize this gesture of appreciation she learned that “any contribution or expression of gratitude is needed during a time like this.”