Teacher Beth Eberlding’s fourth-grade class gathered in the Chestnut Ridge Elementary School’s hallway to share a few memories of their friend and fellow classmate, Lydia Tata. “Today would have been Lydia’s birthday,” remembered Nickolas Wetzel. “Lydia loved animals. She loved her dog,” said Emily Silverstein. There were smiles from the other group members. “That’s why we came up with the idea for our project.”
Their project, “Love for Lydia,” brought the entire school community together to do something special, something that would make a difference. Nine-year-old Lydia Tata lost a long battle with leukemia on January 4, 2015. She had been in remission for four years until last September when the cancer returned. Now, after three weeks of hard work, her friends were preparing to deliver hundreds of donated items to three local animal shelters, to make life better for the animals Lydia loved.
Their work began with brainstorming ideas for the project and doing research. They formed multiple committees to write letters, contact local shelters and create a flyer explaining the project and requesting donations. The students mobilized the entire school behind the initiative, and created a special display called “The Pond” to recognize supporters from all grade levels at Chestnut Ridge School. “We collected over 100 warm towels and blankets, more than 400 cans and 100 bags of dog and cat food, 100 bags of treats, and a large assortment of pet toys and leashes,” said Eberlding. All donations will be shared among Chili Animal Care, Lollypop Farm and Scottsville Pet Adoptions.
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