Third-graders again choose to give
By JIM LUTGENS
Publisher
The tradition started several years ago. Now there’s not much question what NRHEG 3rd-graders are doing at school to celebrate Christmas.
Rather than exchange gifts, the usual Christmas routine for elementary-age kids, local 3rd-graders again decided to go shopping for the Ellendale Area Food Shelf, and they did just that last week at Lerberg Foods. Mr. Benyon’s class completed the mission Monday, followed by Mrs. Johns’ class on Tuesday and Mrs. Schultz’s class Wednesday. After shopping, the students carried their goods to the food shelf.
“I absolutely love it,” said Benyon, a second-year teacher. “I think it’s an amazing thing. Not once have I heard anyone complain.”
Although it has become a tradition, students are given the option each year whether they want to purchase Christmas gifts for each other or instead donate to the food shelf.
According to Benyon, the 3rd-graders don’t just show up the store and fill their baskets. They’re on a budget, and they go to Lerberg’s knowing in many cases what they’re going to buy.
Benyon helps prepare his class by showing a video of those less fortunate at this time of year.
Third-grader Alayna Groskreutz said she feels good about helping those less fortunate.
“We thought of getting some healthy food, and some cookies,” she said.
Chase Morgan, a first-year NRHEG student, said it was “pretty amazing” when he first heard of the project.
“I’m excited,” he said. “It’s a little bit bigger store, to me, than how they explained it.”