Another fantastic year for hamper donations from St. Mary School

 

Classes at St. Mary School have been very busy preparing for a Christmas season filled with giving and kindness. Over a couple of days last week, December 7 and 8, children walked from the school to Walmart for a fun shopping spree in support of the Whitecourt Christmas Hamper. On December 7, grade one students took over the aisles at Walmart as teachers and parent helpers guided them around picking toys and adding them to their carts.

In preparation for being able to purchase gifts, children took part in four fundraisers.  “We did a bubble-gum sale, a sock hop, a pyjama day, and a bake sale,” said grade one teacher Kim Seed. To take part in the pyjama day, students had to bring in one dollar which though it’s a small amount, added up quickly.

The biggest money maker out of all the fundraisers they did was the bake sale. “We actually had it during the evening, during parent-teacher interviews, so the parents were coming in, the siblings were coming in. It was great. It was definitely the one that was most successful for us by far this year,” said Kim.

Along with the fundraisers, students were also learning about giving in their classrooms as they watched videos together on passing on kindness to others. “As a Catholic school, following in Jesus’s footsteps means being kind to others so the kids being appreciative of what they have and empathetic to other kids who go to school with them that might not have the same opportunities or benefits that they might have is very important. It’s so awesome to see them this excited to do something kind for someone else. That’s what we are trying to teach them.”

Over $1,700 was raised, allowing each child in the four classes to pick out one or two things for the hamper. “In the Advent season we talk about preparing our hearts for Jesus and we talk about acts of service that we can do, and random acts of kindness is something that we are trying to instill in the kids,” said Kim. After the shopping spree, the children received a treat thanks to the generosity of McDonalds. “They’ve always donated milk or juice and cookies to the kids. So, they get to come and sit and have a treat.”

Another treat awaited the children just outside as local firefighters were set up with a fire truck ready to pick up all the toys for the hamper. Huge smiles could be seen on the children as one by one they made their way out the doors, bags in hand. Senior firefighter, Johnley Camposano was one of those in attendance and said that taking part in the event was special. “This is the meaning of Christmas. It’s all about helping and giving to others. They all did a great job!”