Class Raises Money, Selects and Wraps Gifts
Recently, a first grade class at Lincoln Center Elementary School in South St. Paul took on a big challenge: collect enough money to buy presents for someone else. They were encouraged to earn money by doing extra chores around the house. The students would bring in their donation money daily and the teacher would incorporate it into their math lesson. Overall, they raised more than $300. They adopted a family in the Neighbors Holiday Program with two kids – a boy and a girl.
Then, they went shopping together (almost 25 first graders, their teacher and some parent helpers) to select the gifts. Students were divided into small groups and given suggested items off the adopted family’s wish list as well as a budget during their shopping experience. Students had to work together to locate the gifts in the store and collectively agree on what to purchase. Once the gifts were purchased, the class worked hard wrapping them to look beautiful for the family who is going to receive them. For many students, it was their first experience wrapping gifts. After the bows were on and the presents were counted, the students walked from school to Neighbors, Inc. to deliver them in person. As a reward, students were given some gingerbread cookies and a warm thank you from everyone at Neighbors. We’re so honored the class chose this service project and want the students to know how wonderful it is that they brightened someone else’s holiday. Thank you!
Hooray! First Grade class holding up their gift donations.