Central third-graders have spirit of giving
Some lessons simply don't come in a book, so Central Elementary third-grade teachers Becky Phillips and Michael Fisher take a more hands-on approach at Christmas time.
The teachers have their students learn about giving by replacing the gift exchange with a gift to the local Red Cross chapter. Rather than gifts for their classmates, the students bring gifts the Red Cross gives to children in the aftermath of a house fire.
The different presents include coloring books, crayons, reading books, puzzles and other "kid's stuff." The idea is to take the young victims' minds off the problem at hand.
"We do this every year instead of a gift exchange," Phillips said.
Tracy Maynard and Christa Campbell of the Red Cross visited Central on Wednesday to collect the goods and to talk to the children about the Red Cross and its mission in Putnam County and around the world.
They also expressed their appreciation for the students' generosity.
"We are excited that you have the true Christmas spirit and you have delivered this to kids all over Putnam County," Maynard said.