Student creativity supports a vital community resource

Students in the Bedford Middle School Art Collective are putting their creativity to work for a cause, designing original merchandise to support a fundraiser benefiting the Homes with Hope food pantry. The project was initiated and led by BMS art educator Cecily Anderson, whose students have been creating artwork to be featured on items sold to raise funds for the local organization.

The fundraiser reflects a longstanding connection between Bedford Middle School and Homes with Hope, an organization that has benefited from BMS food drives for more than 20 years. This year’s effort deepens that partnership by combining service learning with student-designed art.

Our students are learning that creativity and compassion go hand in hand, said Art Collective advisor Cecily Anderson. This partnership with Homes with Hope reflects Bedford’s long tradition of service and the pride our students take in helping others.;

The Homes with Hope food pantry serves individuals and families throughout the community and is supported by a dedicated network of staff and volunteers, including many Bedford families. Staples High School students also contribute their time, with members of the SHS SLOBS volunteering at the pantry after school, some of whom previously attended Bedford Middle School.

The Art Collective project is part of Cecily’s ongoing work to continually rethink and refresh curriculum units, ensuring students engage in meaningful, real-world applications of their learning. By connecting art, community service, and collaboration, students gain a deeper understanding of how their creative skills can make a tangible impact beyond the classroom.

The Homes with Hope fundraiser highlights the important role student-driven initiatives play in supporting essential community resources while fostering empathy, civic responsibility, and pride in service.