Happy Mother's Day!

On May 6, volunteers from the Portsmouth chapter of Altrusa International helped students at The Birchtree Center show their love and appreciation for their mothers by planting flowers in decorative pots as Mother’s Day gifts.

Many children with autism are extraordinarily sensitive to smells and touch, and may have difficulty working with dirt or plant material. With guidance and encouragement from The Birchtree Center’s instructors and the Altrusa volunteers, students carefully packed soil around brightly colored, sweet-smelling pansies and marigolds, watered the plants, and signed cards to accompany their gifts.

“We are so grateful to the thoughtful and generous members of Altrusa International,” said The Birchtree Center's Executive Director, Dr. Christine Guarino. “Without Altrusa's help, our nonprofit organization wouldn’t have the time or resources to make these gifts. Many of the Altrusa members are mothers themselves, and they understand how much a handmade present from a child can mean to a hardworking mom on Mother’s Day!”