CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Elementary school students get lesson in giving, not receiving

Elementary school students get lesson in giving, not receiving

by Hayley Wielgus

TYLER (KYTX) - This time of year, most kids are thinking about what to ask for from Santa. But, as CBS 19's Hayley Wielgus tells us, some Bullard Elementary students are thinking of giving, not receiving.

It's a special holiday delivery from some students who are learning the reason for the season.

Bullard Elementary school students collected nearly one thousand food items to donate to the mission house, which assists underprivileged families in Smith County with food, clothing and healthcare.

"The need for the mission house around the holidays, especially in this economy has been overwhelming."

Mission house volunteer Katherine Bunce says just yesterday, the organization served more than 100 families.  "These are people that always worked and now they don't work, there are people who are ill and there are people that are not with their families."

These second graders collected the most food, so their class was chosen to hand deliver the donations.

"Usually they don't have that much, so we just gave them all this food that they can have to eat."

Parent Teacher Organization president Tisha White says it's more than just bringing donations to school. By allowing the students to take an active part in it food drive, they can learn the value of community service.

"We think it's important for the kids to realize that they can help in small ways and in big ways."

Each small can of food adds up to make a big difference for families struggling to make it through the holiday season. The Mission House is located on West Cain Street in Bullard. The organization is accepting food and clothing donations to help keep up with increasing demand this winter.