November 22, 2016
WALNUT, CA—In this season stocked full of holiday gifts, delicious meals, and gatherings with family and friends, Walnut Valley schools are focused on making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate.
Westhoff Elementary collected over 200 pairs of new socks during its SOCK-tober campaign to help warm the “soles” of others.
Over a 100 holiday bags containing two pairs of socks, food items, lotion, and toiletries were delivered to the homeless on Skid Row.
“At Westhoff, our theme is to follow the Golden Rule. SOCKtober gave us an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of giving back,” said Principal Denise Rendon.
Suzanne Middle School’s CARE Club donated over 800 lbs. of Halloween candy to the homeless at Los Angeles Mission on November 16. The candy will be distributed during this week’s Thanksgiving meal.
Chaparral Middle School’s Christian Club is currently spearheading an Operation Christmas Child project. Students bring in shoeboxes filled with toys, stuffed animals, hygiene items, and school supplies. Boxes are distributed around the world by Samaritan’s Purse.
The Leadership Academy at Castle Rock Elementary hosted a successful Fall Food Drive yielding over 2,600 canned and boxed food items.
"Everyone can make a difference by bringing in just a couple cans. This made me feel good because it makes other people feel happy,” said 4th grade- student Savannah West.
Nathan Eubanks, also in 4th grade, feels the same. "Kids can make a difference by donating food to the poor or donating toys. I really want to see kids around the world know that they can make a difference.”
All of the food will be donated to local charities that reach out to families in need and the homeless population.
The new Leadership Academy is designed to foster and inspire leadership skills in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. The group comprised of 120 students is led by teachers Julie Urbaniec, Nora Johnston, Matthew Morrison, Megan Schweder, Erin Ruhl, Kelly Howard, and Tami Berry.
“We thank all of the Castle Rock families for being so generous with their donations to help those in our community,” said Morrison.
Shown:
Westhoff Elementary students donated over 200 pairs of socks for the homeless.
Castle Rock Elementary School’s Leadership Academy spearheaded a successful food drive.
Suzanne Middle School’s CARE Club donated hundreds of pounds of candy for the Los Angeles Mission.