If you were around students from team 7-3 at Brockport's A.D. Oliver Middle School just before break, you would have thought they just received the greatest gifts. Their classrooms were piled high with presents. The students didn't actually receive these gifts, they were giving them to a local family in need. The students and their teachers, Cory Allen, Amy Cellura, Wanda Coon, Bob Dumas, Barb Harrington, Sheila McGarvey and Melinda Rugari decided after Thanksgiving to help a family of eight. They quickly surpassed their goal of $120 (each student contributing one dollar) by collecting $800 for the family. Many household and non-perishable items, gently used toys and clothes were also collected. Teachers bought gifts and other needed household items for the family. The students didn't need to know where the gifts were going, just knowing they were making someone's holiday a little brighter was enough for them. "I kept thinking about a story Mrs. Harrington told us about her childhood," said seventh-grader Chelsea Maxon. "She said her family received an envelope with $500 in it once and it gave them a good Christmas." A long chain hanging in the hallway signified how something could be accomplished if everyone pulled together and a poster showing the donations exceeding the original goal, served as a reminder of the goal. Seventh-grader Tara Jackson was among the students who presented the community service project at a faculty meeting. News quickly spread through the school garnering many more caring donations by students, faculty and staff. "It was really cool," Jackson said. "It's nice to share the Christmas spirit with those less fortunate." Students also donated gift cards to four other families. January 8, 2006 |
