Fifth graders in Marsha McLeod’s class at Elwood’s James H. Boyd Intermediate School selected St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as their charity to support for the holiday season. They researched a variety of charities, then voted as a class on the most deserving charity and began fundraising via a schoolwide raffle. Next, the fifth graders will write letters to the hospital, and will finally donate a check using the funds they raise from the raffle.
Gift Giving at Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue Elementary students were asked by the school’s SHARE and Student Leadership Clubs to help brighten the holiday season for families in need. Each student was given a paper gift to color at home, as well as asked to do a chore to earn money in order to donate to the school’s Holiday Gift Giving Program. This year, the staff, students, and families of Fifth Avenue raised more than $1,100 to purchase gifts for families in need.
On Dec. 10, students in SHARE and Leadership Club went to Target to purchase gifts. The children worked in groups to brainstorm ideas, compromise about gift decisions, and stick to their budgets. The students were able to purchase several gifts for families in need.
Fifth Avenue elementary students celebrated a successful trip to purchase gifts for families in need.
Food Pantry Support
Elwood Middle School recently created a food pantry designed to support monthly food donations – collected, organized and packed by students and staff – for 10 local families. The ongoi initiative will include fun grade-level competitions, all in the spirit of
taking care of those in the Elwood community.
Members of the school’s student council, Community Service Club, National Junior Honor Society and Anti-Defamation League Club are helping to sort the food, stock the shelves and make lists of future needs. The school plans to eventually make this an activity in its Knights of the Round Table advisory program so all students and staff can participate.
“This is a full schoolwide initiative of Elwood helping Elwood,” Principal Christina Moran said. “We want all students to feel a sense of service to others. As we seek to educate the next generation, we want students to recognize the benefits of giving. Research indicates that giving makes you feel happier, is good for your health, promotes cooperation and social connections, evokes gratitude, and is contagious. Our pantry is designed to be yearlong with the commitment of donating a box of food monthly to our families in need.”
Photos supplied by Northport, Elwood school districts