11 Apr The Heart in Art ❤️

Last week, ThouArtExalted had the opportunity to serve alongside Episcopal School of Jacksonville during their second annual Day of Service – a full day event that provides each student the opportunity to perform school service as well as acts of service in the Jacksonville, FL community.

My daughter, Winnie’s, 8th grade class was partnered with Sanctuary on 8th Street, a non-profit organization that has been near to my heart for many years.

The Sanctuary on 8th Street is a place of welcome and safety located in the midst of the inner city. They work to provide an enriching, affirming environment for great kids living in marginalized neighborhoods. Their mission is to encourage and empower Jacksonville youth and families in need by ministering to their spiritual, physical, social, and intellectual needs.
ThouArtExalted donated art supplies for the girls to design and paint these wooden hearts and birdhouses that are part of the Sanctuary’s “Pallets for a Purpose” fundraising program. These will be sold to help support various programs at the Sanctuary like Great Leaps, an after-school tutoring program for youth on Jacksonville’s Eastside.
The ESJ girls and I wholeheartedly loved painting these rustic pallets and adorning them with God’s promises! Here are a few notes I received from them after our time together:
“I really enjoyed spending time with my friends and growing closer to God.” – Catharine O.
“When we were painting, I was thinking about the Sanctuary and the kids there. It was so fun painting with my friends and I loved knowing that I was helping out.” – Anna K.
“I loved being able to paint the wood pieces for the Sanctuary and give back to my community.” – Elizabeth K.
“Painting hearts for the Sanctuary meant to me having fun while giving back. It was so much fun being with my friends while doing something good for the community.” – Isabel R.
“I really enjoyed doing community service alongside some of my closest friends. It felt really good doing something to help out people who are less fortunate then me. Not only that, but the project as a whole was actually fun. I love art and I love community service so combining the two was really nice.” – Danielle B.
     
If you’d like to purchase one of the pallet hearts to help support one of Sanctuary on 8th Street’s many programs, contact 904-356-3588 or visit www.sanctuaryon8th.org.