Wolf Swamp Road School students support local children in need

Dec. 26, 2018 | Payton North
payton@thereminder.com

Students from Wolf Swamp Road Elementary School in Longmeadow came together to make large gift baskets for children in need who are staying at local shelters.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo

LONGMEADOW – Students at Wolf Swamp Road Elementary School spent their holiday season making sure that children living at local shelters in the Springfield area are taken care of.

Parent Teacher Association member Teresa Shea explained that for over 15 years, every classroom at Wolf Swamp has supported a different child of all ages at local shelters. Families donate newly purchased items to be wrapped up and subsequently delivered in a basket to the children in need.

“It’s one of the most participated in programs of the school community,” Shea stated.

“Each classroom is assigned a name of a child and is able to purchase and bring in items. Flyers are sent home with students that include the child’s name, age, gender and some of their needs or interests,” she shared.

Continuing, Shea noted that teachers keep baskets in their classrooms for the students to place their purchased items in before the “wrapping day.” On this day, the baskets are brought to the cafeteria and parent volunteers wrap each item.

“There are 20 classrooms at Wolf Swamp, totaling about 410 students. There were 21 baskets total–20 for each of the classrooms and one for staff not assigned to a specific room,” she said. “Families love the program, so there is always extra toys, toiletries and clothes to help provide items for other residents in the programs.”

Items that were provided to children by these students include toiletries like toothpaste, diapers, shampoo and conditioner, as well as toys, stuffed animals, blankets, clothes and books.

Some students shared their perspectives on the event. A fifth grader stated, “Knowing that someone might not get presents isn’t right. We didn’t want that to happen.”

A fourth grader agreed, “I feel good because I can wake up and know that I am surrounded by Christmas magic and it is good to share since everyone should have some.”

Each of the 21 baskets were wrapped and delivered to 21 students at local shelters in time for the holidays.

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