Christmas Cheer

In the last week I've been a witness to the giving end of Christmas.  I work in a school where it is predominantly low socio-economic.  Over 90% of the students are on free or reduced lunch.  Some students have worse problems than us adults.  When they walk through the campus doors you would never know these children come from homes with limited resources.   Some children have a mom that works evening shifts so the only time they may see her is when they are on their way out the door to school.  Others live with a grandparent or a guardian because their dad or mom is not in the picture for whatever reason.  I can go on about the make up of a family.  Nonetheless, our students are the most well behaved, well mannered and adorable kids a school could ask for.  So no need to explain why each Christmas I want to give each child a gift to take home!  Unfortunately those means aren't always available.  However, thanks to some angels that surround us we are able to give gifts to a great number of our students in different ways.  Let me explain....

Our local fire fighters brought over bags of toys and a bike for our kids.  I had the pleasure of delivering the bike to a lucky student at my school.  I literally rode the bike around the school during dismissal "searching" for the lucky student.  When I got to the student I asked-"Do you believe in Santa?"  He said yes.  I say-"Well Santa left this for you and he asked me to give it to you."  The student was beyond shock!  

Another event that I was fortunate to participate in last year and again this year was the Shop with a Cop event.  The police union sponsors this event.  Children were taken to a Walmart where they get to shop with a cop.  It was a fun and exciting event!  We were able to bring about 6 students.  The teachers came out to help the students too.  My son is seen here helping out one of the kids.   My son was quite impressed that the young boy wanted to make sure and get something for his little brother.  These types of things warm my heart.  

Lastly, but certainly not the least.  For the past 6 years our school has taken part in a local toy drive lead by a local Tejano band-Negami.  Unwrapped toys and cash donations are given by teachers and staff members in the district.  Other donations come from local businesses.  The toy drive essentially helps out a great number of needy families at every school in the district.  Bags of toys are delivered to the schools to help out those families.  The remainder of the toys are given out on a given Saturday morning in the neighborhood.  The neighborhood is usually the one where my students live.  Each year it is a blessing to get to participate in the delivery of the toys.  It is my favorite part!  It is such a joy every year to get to do this!  It is an emotional and rewarding time!  The kids are so excited! The parents are so thankful.  Let me tell you-tears are certainly shed.

So these are my Christmas cheer stories.  It makes my world complete to get to take part in making a child smile. I love this season!  It is like no other.  Tis the season to give!