Asa Packer ES students received a visit from Cathy Heimsoth, executive director at Traditions of Hanover, Feb. 7, to learn about the importance of volunteering within their community.

In 2019, the school initiated a goal for their students to perform acts of kindness every day. Heimsoth was there to help the students with their goal and to share information about an organization called The CHEMO Bag Inc.

“We have many residents at Traditions of Hanover who are survivors or who have lost a loved one to cancer, and there are some who move in while receiving treatment because they need a little bit of support,” she said.

For Heimsoth, this organization is also personal for her. She is not just the president of The CHEMO Bag Inc.; she is a cancer survivor, too.

The students helped to put together six bags that included hats, journals, candy, hand washes, hand sanitizers, water bottles, pens, crayons, tissues, blankets, and lip balms. The items were collected by students on behalf of The CHEMO Bag Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides bags of comfort to men and women in the Lehigh Valley undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

“I wanted to share this organization with the students and its importance within their community. A lot of thought is put into the content of the bags, which will bring comfort to the person as they receive their treatments,” added Heimsoth.

The organization has been in operation for seven years and with the help of volunteers like Heimsoth has delivered over 4000 CHEMO bags.

“I am honored to be part of a community that recognizes the importance of helping others!” said Heimsoth. “It was a pleasure to help the Asa Packer Elementary Student Council prepare bags of comfort for The CHEMO Bag.”