There are many lessons in life. Two very important ones are learning to be community minded and how to give to others.
That is what a group of Madill High School students recentlylearnedonDecember 1. It was surely quite a sight and experience when Brandy Ruff’s Alternative Education Programclasswentshopping for Christmas gifts. They chose to donate the gifts to the Fill The Sleigh toy drive event hosted by Hope for Marshal County Food Pantry.
For the last five years, students from this class have raised money by selling homemade baked goods at Madill High School to shop for the toy drive. Ruff said the program is to help the students learn about various life skills.
“Going shopping, the kids get to work on their life skills. They each get to spend so much [money],” Ruff said. “Then we get to go eat lunch.”
The Fill the Sleigh toy drive is a big event for HFMC Food Pantry and will provide more than just toys for kids and teens in the community, they also added clothing and other items to the list.
The students bought winter gloves, purses, fishing poles, and tackle in addition to the traditional toy items. Every one of the students will receive a community service award at the end of the year with community service hours added to their transcripts for this event. Seniors will receive an engraved plaque at graduation for Outstanding Community Service.
One senior per year is chosen to receive a $1,000 dollar unattached scholarship from HFMC Food Pantry. HFMC Executive Director Gwen Wilson said it is difficult to choose one recipient, since they all work so hard.
“It is always so hard to choose each year as they all do so well,” Wison said. “They can use the money for whatever they may need. Clothes, gas, backpacks. It is theirs to use as needed.” Senior Arnulfo Flores said even though he wasn’t sure what to expect, he enjoyed the experience.
“This is my first time doing anything like this,” Flores said. “I did enjoy it. Made me feel good about it.”
Giving back is one of the life lessons being taught to the students. Senior Ben Hernandez said giving back to the community can be as rewarding as receiving.
“It's been a good experience to get out and get for those in need. To help out the community and give back,” Hernandez said.