Tis the Season of Giving

Every year at about Thanksgiving time each of the girls bring home a note from their teachers what the class service project is for Christmas. Most of the classes do the same project every year so you become familiar with what is going to be expected. With three girls in school this year we are into the season of giving.

The preschool project this year is Good Neighbors. The children are asked to bring a donation to school to be put in a jar and then a donation will be made from the entire preschool class to the Good Neighbors Program in Norfolk. Good Neighbors is a group that provides for the needy. The group provides assistance to individuals and families the entire year, but the main fundraiser is always at Christmas time. Good Neighbors may assist a family by providing gifts, providing food, paying the rent and utilities, etc. This group is highlighted in the local paper each day with the story of a family in need and then a list of new donors.

Erica's first grade class is providing toys for the Bright Horizons. This non-profit group provides an escape for abused women and their children. The teachers sent a note home asking that each child do extra chores around the house to earn the money to buy a toy that they would really like and then donate the toy to these children at Bright Horizons. Erica bought a Princess Memory Game to be donated.

Cara's third grade class is providing Christmas presents for a needy family whose children attend the girls' school. Cara provided a new sweater for the mother and a pampering hand lotion kit and then also a game for one of the children.

I'm not sure that my children completely understand the concept of being needy or not being able to go to the store and buy food. I just hope that one day they understand to show compassion to others and that they learn from the example that Keith and I set forth about giving to others.

Take care,
Michelle