Two
needy families will have a cheerful and enjoyable holiday season because of the
generous efforts of Sampson G. Smith Intermediate School students, staff, and
parents. For the past eight years, the SGS family has participated in the
WCTC/WMGQ Holiday Family Adoption Program by donating money to purchase gifts
for families that are not as fortunate as they are. This year, the SGS
family raised over $1,000 by donations ranging from 50
cents to $200. Additional gifts, toys, and clothing were donated by
students, staff, and parents, bringing the total to $1,200.
Noreen Leib and Suzanne Adams, guidance counselor secretaries,
coordinated the efforts of the program by contacting the radio station this
year, and for the past eight years, to obtain a list of two needy families and
their holiday wish lists. The secretaries distributed the information to
all homeroom teachers, who then told their students about the Holiday Family
Adoption Program and what each family requested as part of their wish
list. The list also contains the ages of the children and their sizes in
clothes, pajamas, shoes, coats, and sweat suits. Sizes for the mothers
are also included in the family adoption information.
To the
SGS family, these needy families are only known as Family “S” and Family
“B.” The identities of these families are kept secret. Only the
representatives of the radio station know the names of the people in the needy
families.
With only two weeks to collect donations, the
seventh- and eighth-grade students, staff, and parents quickly contributed
money and gifts for the families.
Math
teacher Steve Brochstein and social studies teacher Berinetha Minnis collected the money
and kept a running tally of the daily contributions. Each day, these
teachers expressed their delight as the contributions increased.
After
all of the money was collected, Steve Brochstein, Berinetha Minnis, and Nancy Repetto went to Toys “R” Us, in
At
Wal-Mart, they purchased a bed-in-a-bag, clothes, and other items for the
children.
Other
staff members, students, and parents contributed items, such as a microwave
oven, towels, diapers, clothes, blankets, hats, gloves, and toys for the needy
families.
One
student that deserves much praise is Gregory Williams. Gregory, an
eighth-grade student, unselfishly donated $100 for the needy families. He
said, “I’ve saved about $250 and was wondering what I should do with the
money. I saved the money that I got from gifts and by earning money by
doing some small jobs. I thought that by donating $100, it would be a
good way to help others in need.”
All
purchased and donated items were placed on display so that all of the people in
the school could see what the needy families would receive.
Later
in the day, Brochstein, Leib,
and Adams loaded up their vehicles and took the items to the radio
station. After they unloaded their vehicles, a representative at the
station said that once again SGS came through with must deserved and
appreciated gifts.
In
response to why he contributes his money, time, and effort to the program,
Steve Brochstein said, “Sometimes it is easy to
forget that everyone in the world doesn’t have it as well as some of us, and it
gives me a good feeling to share with those who have less. That is why I
have participated in the program for the past eight years. I believe that
education is much more than reading, writing, and my favorite arithmetic.
It’s about teaching children to be able to survive in our society by
reinforcing what their parents have taught them about morals and values.
By participating in the WCTC/WMGQ Adopt a Family Program, we teach our children
how to be good, effective, moral citizens in today’s society. Thanks to
the parents, staff, and students, we raised $1,200.”
The SGS family looks forward to the 2004 Holiday Adoption Program when they can once again make two families have a wonderful holiday season