Give, not receive

Peace Lutheran School hosted a food drive last week in which the students brought donations for the Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry rather than exchanging gifts. Pictured with the donation are the first through sixth graders at Peace, front, Wyatt Clark, Emma Huber, Kelsey Moore, Gillian Jones, Charles Marshall, Sidney Moore; middle, Brian Jackson, Greeley Eastep, Hannah Everage, Evvie Kate Timberman, Meghan Crowe, Brady Mann, Jacob Pike, Alina Bemish, Alliza Jackson; back, Miss Pat, Ryan Sutherlin, Kole Bemish, Craig Helmers, Daniel Hurtubise, Trey Patterson, Laurie Nichols and Miss Weston.

GREENCASTLE -- The children of Peace Lutheran School in Greencastle received a lesson this Christmas season about giving without receiving.

Rather than a conventional gift exchange, the kids at Peace Lutheran were asked to bring food pantry donations and help those less fortunate. Instead of giving and also getting something back, the kids were simply giving.

"We've been talking to them about giving to others and helping others," said Angela Moore of the Peace PTO.

The kids responded admirably, collecting 266 items for the food pantry.

To truly understand giving of themselves, Moore said the students were encouraged to take an active role in the donation process.

"We encouraged them, if they have an allowance, to have their parents let them use their own money as well as help do the shopping," Moore said.

The cheerful givers made their donation to the food pantry Friday afternoon, following a week of collection.