
Voorhis Elementary School
students, staff and families demonstrated the true spirit of the season, giving
back to the community by donating 72 warm blankets to the Emergency Resources
Association (ERA).
This is Voorhis’ 6th annual donation of
blankets. The school-wide effort was led
by Voorhis’ Partnership Action Team (PAT) who reached out to the students,
staff and community for donations of recyclables. Since the beginning of the school year
student council members have been gathering the collected recyclables from
classrooms each Friday, and with the money raised by recycling the PAT team was
able to purchase 72 warm, cozy blankets.
“It’s good that we help others,” said
Adrian, a 5th grader. “Everyone
deserves to have things like we do.”
“If feels really good knowing we are
helping others,” said 5th grader, Felipe. “Recycling is a great way to raise money to
help people and I’m glad we do it here at Voorhis.”
Each blanket was wrapped in hand-made
Christmas paper created by the students and will surly bring a smile and warm
heart to those who receive them. Lillian
Rey, ERA coordinator was extremely grateful to the Voorhis community for the
wonderful outpouring of kindness and generosity which will benefit so many.
“This is such a blessing! These blankets will help so much and bring
comfort to many people. People who are
homeless also include children and families who live in their cars or in motel
rooms and they will love having a warm blanket.
You are making a difference to someone’s life and you are having the
best Christmas ever because you are giving,” said Rey.
The students excitedly loaded the blankets
into the car to be taken to the ERA facility.
The entire Voorhis team is overjoyed to express their gratitude and
fondness to the community they serve by giving back during the holidays.
Voorhis principal, Larry Elwell was very
proud of the Voorhis team for their efforts.
“This is wonderful on both sides. It fills a need in the community and it
teaches the students the importance of giving back,” he said. “It’s a great extra lesson beyond the
classroom.”
Voorhis’ recycling efforts also enable the
school to donate Baskets of Love each spring to those in need which are filled
with toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and other personal hygiene items.