Fourth Class students recently lent a hand at Santa’s Helpers, a non-profit agency that helps bring Christmas cheer to needy children. As described on the Santa’s Helpers website:
“Santa’s Helpers began in 1968 when founder Rita Swiener heard from a professor about a poor family that had fallen through the cracks of social support, and would not be helped over Christmas. She and a few friends sprang into action with gifts for every member of that family. Since that day, thousands of children have had a Christmas visit from Santa, bearing personalized gifts for them and their family.”
Fourth Class elves helped create Christmas stockings for needy friends. Chief Elf, Miss Rita, shared the stories and pictures of a few of the children who will be receiving gifts this year.
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Here are a few comments from the students about their experience:
“It was a cool experience because I was able to help people. This was a new experience for me and afterwards I felt like I truly made an impact.”
“It was sad seeing that they don’t have nice things like we do. I also felt very happy knowing that what we were doing was genuinely making a difference in those family’s lives.”
“I thought it was very fun wrapping the presents, stuffing the stockings and the candy bags, but also sad to see the houses that the people lived in. Afterwards, I was glad that we were able to give people in need a merry Christmas.”
“Santa’s Helpers made me learn that not everyone lives in a house like we do and that some homeless people think they are a nobody because they don’t have an address.”
” I loved helping the poor have a Christmas, and it made me feel sad to know that some people feel like nobody knows their name. Santa’s Helpers makes them feel special and known, and they feel grateful, happy, and loved.”
“Santa’s Helpers gives presents, toys, clothes, stuffed animals, and other items to the poor and homeless who don’t have enough money to get the things they need to live. Without Santa’s Helpers, many people wouldn’t have clothes or coats, and they would be cold.
