RES students and families make a difference for Christmas
In an effort to “Be the Good” in the world, Ringgold Elementary School Fellowship of Christian Athletes fostered a service-learning project to fill shoe boxes with Christmas gifts and needed supplies for children all over the world.
Through Operation Christmas Child, a universal program sponsored by Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse, RES students were able to shine some light into the lives of less fortunate children across the globe. This year, students donated 193 shoe box-filled gifts, which was a huge increase from the previous year’s 102 boxes.
“We are very proud of our students’ sincere desire to give so that others may have just one gift this Christmas, when so many of them may receive several,” said Deanna Baker, project coordinator and teacher at RES.
The project is an opportunity to educate young people about the impoverished nations around the world. Teachers noted that many students were shocked when they learned the condition of housing in which some children live, the continued need to travel by camel, donkey, and elephant and the limited food and drinkable water available to them. Students showed empathy when hearing the shoe box each child received would be treasured and used to hold all their worldly possessions.
While empowering today’s youth to do something beyond their own community, the project also gave students a chance to make a positive change in lives of people a world away, which in turn will hopefully build personal selfworth.
“The parents and children of this community have a heart for others, and they realize it’s more about the act of service and the thought behind it than the gift that’s inside the box,” said RES’ FCA leader and teacher, Todd Giannamore.
J103 radio personality, Ted Gocke, visited RES to share personal experiences with Operation Christmas Child campaigns. He answered several questions about the living conditions, number of children in need and the Christmas parties where children receive their shoe boxes.
“The children thoroughly enjoyed meeting Ted, who they view as a celebrity,” Baker said. “We certainly appreciated his gift of time and willingness to be a part of our project.”