As some children make out their wish lists for what they want to receive, others make out lists of what to give. Students and staff at Pea Ridge schools generously give to those who might otherwise not receive Christmas gifts. Members of the Student Council at both the high school and middle school collected cans of food to provide to the Pea Ridge Ministerial Alliance to give food to families whose children are receiving gifts through Angel Tree.
“We are a community-driven school. Pea Ridge High is a great place to go to school,” Jon Laffoon, principal, said. “We have a very supportive and generous community, so we want to give back at every opportunity.
“Our teachers have taken the lead on many character-driven charities and so have our students. It started with the food drive, angel tree, coats and shoes, and has parlayed into money for Arkansas Children’s Hospital andSt. Jude.
“We have wonderful students and teachers to spearhead these giving opportunities,” Laffoon said.
The junior and senior cheer squads raised $520 together for St. Jude’s, said coach Jamie Bunting.
Football coach Tony Travis took a group of football players and cheerleaders shopping Monday afternoon for Christmas gifts for children.
“Mr. Martin (principal at Pea Ridge Primary School) gets us names,” Travis said of the recipients. “The kids love giving to others.”
Sue McElroy, principal of Pea Ridge Middle School, said the Student Council purchased gifts for nine students and staff gave to about 11 more.
“Someone once asked if thechildren who don’t get gifts get jealous. They don’t. It’s not like that. They love to give to the ones who need it,” she said.
Heart and Sole, spearheaded by nurse Val Colburn and aide Cheryl Tillman, gives out shoes and socks to children before they leave for the Christmas vacation.
“The children are excited about it,” Tillman said, adding that children often start asking about the shoes and look forward to their new shoes.
Members of the Student Council from Pea Ridge Middle School spent several hours helping organize and distribute food to be given to families whose children are recipients of Angel Tree gifts.
The students and their sponsor sorted the hundreds of cans of food in the basement of Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church recently. Angel Tree is sponsored by the Pea Ridge Ministerial Alliance.
“We’re very grateful for the help of the school and the students,” pastor Al Fowler said.
“With all the students’ help, itdoesn’t take long to get it done.”
The giving is not limited to organized groups with members of the staff gathering to purchase giftsfor students. Large black plastic bags tagged with names sat in the counselor’s office at the Middle School awaiting distribution.
“The children are always grateful,” McElroy said, adding that the ones giving actually receive more than the ones receiving.
News, Pages 1 on 12/19/2012