Art Club students at Ray Middle School create Hearts of Hope

How can a palm-sized, heart-shaped piece of ceramic spread hope to those in need? When it’s decorated with beautiful artwork, filled with inspirational words and made with love.

Hearts of Hope is a national pay-it-forward organization that started in response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Since 2001, nearly 125,000 Hearts of Hope gifts have been delivered worldwide. The gifts are painted ceramic hearts that are decorated by various groups, including school clubs, classrooms, community groups, churches and other service projects.

Volunteers decorate the hearts with inspirational pictures and messages. The hearts are returned to the Hearts of Hope organization and are delivered to individuals or groups accompanied by a personal message of hope. The hearts are given to people who experience trauma, life-altering illness and loss.

Art Club students at Ray Middle School recently created Hearts of Hope at the inspiration of sixth-grade teacher MaryEllen Jurista. Jurista’s mother received a heart gift during her cancer battle.

“I think it’s important to remember that there is not a person who hasn’t been touched by cancer,” Jurista said. “I know it meant a lot to my mother to receive one.”

The students created their hearts to go to people battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.

Mya Huntington, 12, said she wanted the person who received the heart she created to be inspired.

“I wanted to include inspiring words, like hopeful and be proud,” she said. “I want them to be proud that they made it through treatment.”

Claire Christenson, 12, said she hopes the hearts are special to whoever receives them.

“I hope that they will cherish it forever,” she said.

Art Club is organized by Ray art teachers, Debra Lynch and Audrey Wilson.