Schlarman and Holy Family students meet in person for the first time as pen pals

Second-grader Mia Wallen and her pen pal, Nancy O’Kane, had a special meeting at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Danville. Mia, a student at Schlarman Academy, has been exchanging letters with Nancy and her husband, Mike, as part of a pen pal program at the school.

Coincidentally, Nancy and other parishioners from Holy Family Catholic Church run the food pantry where the meeting took place. They distribute items, food, and hygiene products to families in need every Thursday. This week, Nancy invited Mia and her classmates to help with the distribution, providing them with a unique learning experience.

The exchange of letters between Mia and Nancy has been a fun way for them to connect and share about their lives. Mia has written about her pets and favorite activities, while Nancy has shared about her family, volunteer work, and discussions on serious topics like homelessness.

The meeting between Mia and Nancy was a heartwarming experience for both of them. Not every student and parishioner pen pal get to meet in person, but the letters and gifts exchanged create a strong bond between them.

Overall, the pen pal program has been a rewarding experience for Mia, Nancy, and the other participants involved. It has allowed them to make new connections, learn from each other, and share their experiences in a meaningful way.