December seems to be a time of giving. We know intellectually that there are people in need all through the year; however, at a time when many receive so much the disparity is far more apparent. December in Junior School was an opportunity to reflect while offering time plus donations in a variety of ways.
We chose to focus on the organization You Can’t Spoil A Baby, which was created in 2011 to help families during a baby’s first year. Each grade collected specific objects, necessary to ensure the comfort and health of babies in our community. In addition, Grade 5 BH girls hosted a toy sale and donated the money they raised to the organization to purchase much-needed items.
The Grade 3 class was matched with one particular family with a new baby and three siblings. The students took on roles, including note-writers, organizers, sorters, card-makers, gift-makers, bin-decorators, and wrappers. Each worked hard at her task, often spending recesses completing them. When all finished, they loaded three vans full of an overwhelming amount of items to share with those in need. They discovered that our school community is incredibly generous!
As I unloaded one van into the "Grade 3" family’s home, two wide-eyed siblings giggled, excited about all of the gifts their family was receiving. Suddenly, one of the boys disappeared briefly and returned with his name written on a piece of paper. It was his thank you. I hung it in the classroom the following day. That blue marker on a torn piece of loose leaf was all my Grade 3 students needed to understand the true meaning of giving.