This article is part of a series of programs offered at RCES which emphasis outstanding character traits in our leaders of tomorrow!
Program 2: Character Building in Action
Every year for the past 20 plus years the students of RCES have held a Food and Small Gifts Drive. The collection starts the week before Thanksgiving and ends the Wednesday before the dismissal for Winter Break. Each grade level is assigned a suggested list of donation items that are needed from their grade level. The items collected are then combined with other grade levels to create a wonderful assortment of goodies for the holidays. By doing this, each grade level plays a special part.
Over the years, Mrs. Candace Lamma, RCES school counselor, has coordinated this drive with Shop with the Deputy, Faith Community Holiday Student Adoptions and other Community Agencies. Both the giver and the receiver’s experience the feelings associated with helping others, and the generous nature of their community. Strong character traits are being nurtured, developed and strengthened. Usually the school drive is able to help 6-7 school families with food, and small gift items. Items are delivered or picked up by the families without the students knowing who the receivers are.
The students look forward to this drive with enthusiasm. Some even try to make it a contest, as to how fast they can fill up their individual classroom boxes.
This is Character Building in Action!
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