As part of Cazenovia’s monthlong celebration of St Patrick’s Day, Project CAFÉ and the Cazenovia High School Owahgena Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) will present an Irish-themed arts and crafts event for Burton Street Elementary School students following the half day on March 18.

Held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Burton Street cafeteria, the free event will feature a variety of projects focused on Irish history and cultural identity.

“We want to have different options so all the kids can find something they would enjoy making,” said Hannora Race, who is spearheading the initiative along with fellow NHS members and Project CAFÉ student leaders Emma Steinberg and Sophie Clancy. “Ideally, we [will] end with a small art competition where the kids [can] display their hard work and creativity.”

Before starting on their projects, the students will be provided free lunches.

According to Race, Clancy came up with the idea of an arts and crafts event and the other student leaders helped her to develop the concept.

Project CAFÉ members took on the responsibilities of planning the crafts, purchasing needed supplies, and coming up with a fun way to educate the younger students on the history of St Patrick’s Day and Irish immigration.

On the day of the event, volunteers from both Project CAFÉ and NHS will supervise the students.

The high school students organized the event not only as a service to Burton Street kids and their parents, but also as a fundraiser for the people of Ukraine.

“Project CAFE has done a number of collaborations with NHS in the past — such as Mill St Park — and wanted to do another one this year,” said Project CAFÉ advisor Kurt Wheeler. “When the St Patrick’s Day Committee asked the student leaders to consider an event as part of their celebration, it seemed like a great opportunity. . . Many students have also been saddened by the crisis in Ukraine and felt this could give people an opportunity to provide support for those who have been impacted.”

Families participating in the arts and crafts event are invited to donate to Ukraine if they choose. Student leaders will also be stationed at the Burton Street bus circle from 1 to 5 p.m. on March 18 to accept donations and sell baked goods and other handmade items, like candles, to support the cause. The students will accept cash or checks made payable to “Project CAFÉ.” They will also be collecting relief supplies, including pain relievers, walkers, children’s clothing, snacks, and anything that is long lasting and for future use/rehabilitation, on behalf of the Ukrainian Church.

Project CAFE is a student-directed, nonprofit organization that promotes drug- and alcohol-free activities, art, music, community service, and scholarship in Cazenovia.

Information on the NHS is available on the Cazenovia Central School District website at cazenoviacsd.com.