|
Wildcats spreading care through program |
|
|
|
Tuesday, 01 December 2009 |
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
MINSTER — Students in the Minster School district are pulling together to help those in need this holiday season.
Minster elementary and middle school students received a flier this week on the initiation of the 10th annual “Caring Tree” program.
Principal Brenda Boeke said the program has been successful in the past.
“Very good, the United Way was very appreciative of the donations we brought them,” Boeke said.
She said the program was brought about to give the students an opportunity to give back to those around them.
“Well 10 years ago, we decided that we wanted our students to have some sort of service learning project,” Boeke said. “We chose the holiday season because there were so many needy people in Auglaize County.”
During the program students in kindergarten through eighth grade are asked to bring in specific items that include socks, books, hats, scarves, puzzle books, magazines and personal care items.
“When we contacted the agencies we asked them what they needed,” Boeke said.
“That list was generated by the United Way. It is just our way of giving back.”
Boeke said despite the slow economy she is impressed with the response to a list of fundraisers within the school district.
“I have been surprised of how the community has supported the various fundraisers,” Boeke said.
“I look for them to be just as supportive in this project, they know the kids learn from giving to others.”
With flyers hitting students desks and homes this week, Boeke said she expects the items to flow in the rest of the week.
“We expect to see items in the next week or two,” Boeke said. “At the elementary building they have trees; when the kids bring in socks or toys they put them on the tree.”
Boeke said the program helps students recognize the immediate need around them.
“Our goal for doing it is to make sure the students are aware there are others who are less fortunate than them,” Boeke said.
Donated items should be delivered before Dec. 18, at which time Boeke will bag the donations and deliver them to the United Way.
She said the program is kept in the kindergarten through eighth grades and praised the high school students for their efforts as well.
Recently the high school students participated in their first canned food drive, one Principal Mike Lee described as a success.
“I think it’s a good service project for the students to be involved with,” Lee said. “Naturally anything students can do as an outreach program and for the first time around it was very successful.”
He also said the drive helped the students recognize the need in their immediate community.
“I think that is the whole intent,” Lee said.
“Sometimes we unfortunately take for granted that we are all well off and the need is really in many surrounding areas when truth be known it is right here in your own localities.”
|
|
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 12 January 2010 )
|
