St. Paul Lutheran School 4th and 5th Graders Find Joy and Purpose through Letters to Comfort Dogs Teams

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)

In a world where simple acts of kindness can make all the difference, a class of 4th and 5th graders at St. Paul Lutheran School in Hilton, NY, recently discovered just how powerful a sincere letter can be. Through a special project led by their teacher, Alexa Wolf, these young students were given the opportunity to write to Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams, creating meaningful connections that have brought joy, purpose, and lasting memories.

A Classroom Abuzz with Excitement
With 18 eager students, the classroom quickly buzzed with excitement as they explored the LCC website’s "Meet the Dogs" page. Each student carefully selected their favorite Comfort Dog teams, some even choosing multiple teams to write to. The students poured their hearts into each letter, expressing their admiration and gratitude for the compassionate work of the Comfort Dogs and their handlers.

The joy didn’t stop there. Abraham &  Beloved (Trinity - Hicksville, NY), and Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, IL) Comfort Dog Teams brought even more smiles through a special Zoom visit. Seeing the dogs virtually and interacting with their handlers made the experience all the more real and memorable.

Building Connections through Words
The act of writing letters has encouraged conversations within the classroom. From discussions about empathy and compassion to reflections on the impact of faith-driven outreach, the students gained a greater understanding of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Their excitement grew even further when they received responses from the Comfort Dog Teams, including the Devorah and Zacchaeus (Redeemer - Fort Collins, CO) teams, who took the time to write back and uplift the students with their kind words.

A Special Gift and a Bulletin Board of Joy
In a touching gesture, Hagar (Faith - Appleton, WI) and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL) Comfort Dog teams sent a care package to the class filled with thoughtful items like bracelets, the dogs’ business cards, a beautifully painted canvas including Tobias’ Bible verse, and a special magnet.

This act of kindness left a lasting impression. The students proudly created a bulletin board in their classroom, showcasing the care package and letters. The display serves as a daily reminder of the joy and connection that this project has nurtured.

Lessons in Faith and Compassion
Through this experience, Alexa Wolf's students have not only learned the importance of gratitude and kindness but also witnessed how faith can bring comfort and healing to those in need. The letters have been particularly meaningful to students facing personal challenges at home, offering them a positive and encouraging outlet.

The class's enthusiasm has also sparked conversations about further involvement with LCC. Alexa has shared her hope of one day establishing a Comfort Dog Team at St. Paul Lutheran. Until then, her students continue to send their love and prayers to the teams serving in communities impacted by tragedy, including recent deployments to North Carolina, California, and Wisconsin.

Empowering Others through Togetherness
The students' letters are a beautiful testament to how working together and giving our time and effort can empower others. They have not only uplifted the Comfort Dog teams but have also grown in their own understanding of empathy and service. Their kindness echoes the belief that, even in challenging times, we can be a light to others.

Would you like to read more stories of how LCC Comfort Dogs bring joy and healing? Visit LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to discover how you can support their mission to be a steady presence and a beacon of hope to those suffering and in need.

DONATE - K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Fund