St. Bernard-Elmwood Place Elementary students have a new place to sit while they’re in the playground: the Buddy Bench. B&G Foods donated the bench through their recycling initiative of collecting Crisco bottles. It was officially installed on April 16, 2026. Our fifth and sixth-grade student council members were present to greet, meet, and receive the donation.  

A Buddy Bench (or friendship bench) is a designated space where students can go if they are feeling lonely or need a friend. It serves as a simple, visible signal to others that someone is looking for a connection. The goal is to foster inclusion, kindness, and peer support by encouraging students to invite others to join in play.

B&G Foods also provided staff members with “Be Kind” t-shirts. Students received additional donated items that included a book titled Inspire the World — A Kid’s Journey to Making a Difference, drawstring bags, and bracelets that reinforce our shared message of kindness. Thank you to B&G Foods for the Buddy Bench and all the other wonderful goodies.