By Gabe Wells
Weelunk Contributor
Ohio County Schools students and staff members are doing all they can to ensure a happy holiday season for those in need.
Warm clothes, new shoes, canned foods, new toys and books are being collected in each of the system’s 13 schools. Ohio County Schools Central Office staff members also collected new pairs of shoes to benefit two students from each school, and the school system also collected donations to benefit The United Way.
Warwood School teacher Shawna Safreed said the school’s students recently learned a different kind of lesson — a lesson that could be taught in the classroom. She said they learned a lesson of giving.
Through selling “Santagrams,” an ugly sweater contest, pajama day, and generous donations, Warwood School was able to raise more than $1,000 for its “Adopt a Child” holiday donation drive. Safreed said through the efforts of Warwood School students and staff members some local children will have a holiday they would not have had otherwise.
“It was a moving experience for all the students as all the items that were bought with their donations were displayed for them to see the next morning. Leo Club students participated in the shopping event at Target and changed Christmas morning for three special children.
Ohio County Schools Central Office staff member Mary Ellen Dague heads the central office shoe drive, which is in its fourth year. She said students and staff members throughout the school system have always been willing to contribute to make it a happier holiday season for students and parents of Ohio County Schools.
“Our students and staff members find it rewarding to give back to the community,” Dague said. “That’s why the donation efforts throughout the school system have always been successful. We’re proud of that generosity.”