St. Anthony students deliver May Day baskets

A tradition begun more than a decade ago at St. Anthony School in Columbus bore fruit again this year as first- and sixth-graders delivered 60 candy-filled May Day baskets to the homes of elderly members of St. Anthony Parish.

Led by first-grade teacher JoAnn Brandt, who started the service activity 15 years ago, and assisted by sixth-grade teacher Roger Krienke and parent volunteers, the 26 students also delivered cookies April 30 to people living in a nearby retirement apartment complex.

Parents donated the candy and cookies, and students colored images of flowers and religious symbols on the baskets, said Norma Cremers, principal. The project reinforces in students the importance of helping others, and the seniors often call or write thank-you notes in appreciation, she said.

"It’s amazing how such a little thing can touch people," Cremers said.