Fremont classrooms buy gifts for kids
The Fremont District 79 multiage classrooms raised money to buy clothing and toys for 31 children in the Mundelein area whose families have fallen on hard times and are having difficulty buying Christmas gifts for their children.
The 1-2 and 3-4 grade classrooms raised about $50 for each child, who ranged in age from 1 to 18 years old. Students then went shopping for the toys at their local Target store. They searched out the toy aisles for the perfect gift for their chosen child. The Fremont students learned to budget their money, seeking out the best valued toys and clothes to make their money stretch. They added and subtracted gifts depending on how much they had to spend.
As part of the experience, some of the teachers read a book called "Uncle Willie's Soup Kitchen," a story about helping people who are down on their luck.
"This whole experience is a great lesson in compassion," said multiage teacher Lori Northup.
After the students wrapped their gifts, they wrote about their experience.
"I felt good about doing this because it made someone else feel happy but it also made me feel happy to do something different and meaningful," said Lacey Luther, a third grader.
Stephanie Griparis, also a third grader, added "This could teach everyone a good lesson. It's you that has clothes, toys, books and other stuff while the other children have nothing to play with or wear. Maybe you can donate something. It will make you a caring person."
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