2024 Making Smiles Project: Spreading Gratitude in the Community

On December 21, 2024, Hansamo students divided into team A and team B, gathering in Pleasanton and San Ramon to complete the 2024 Making Smiles project. Team A vi sited American Legion Post 237 in Pleasanton and Fire Station 30 in San Ramon, while Team B visited the San Ramon Police Department and Fire Station 34.

Just like in 2023, the Hansamo Student Council carried out the Making Smiles project, gathering thank-you cards and small snack gifts. The students went above and beyond, writing thoughtful letters and bringing their favorite snacks. As they carefully chose locations to visit, they reflected on the people in the community who deserve appreciation.

In 2023, we visited the police and fire stations, as well as a hospital. In 2024, we returned to the police and fire stations and added a new visit to the American Legion, a veterans' organization.

The American Legion was founded after World War I as an organization of patriotic veterans dedicated to supporting fellow service members and promoting patriotism within local communities. When the students arrived at the Saturday morning gathering of Post 237, located in downtown Pleasanton, they were warmly welcomed by veterans ranging in age from their 40s to their 90s.

Some members expressed regret that a fellow veteran who had served in the Korean War was unable to meet us, while others shared their experiences, including a retired service member who had been stationed in Suwon, South Korea. Listening to their stories and their fondness for Korea filled us with gratitude.

This project gave us the opportunity to reflect on our community and the people who make it better. Seeing their smiles filled us with joy and inspired us to become responsible adults who, like them, serve and uplift those around us.