Dec. 29, 2011—What would Christmas be without a tree and trimmings? This is an answer several elementary classes did not want to find out.

Several elementary classes collected holiday decorations to help three local families affected by the floods celebrate Christmas in style.

To help three local families who suffered losses in the floods, students in four elementary classes held a collection for new and gently used Christmas items, including trees, ornaments, decorations, stockings, garland, placemats, tablecloths and other holiday ware.

"I wanted to do something during the holidays to help show families that we're thinking about them and support them," said Jessica Melchior, who coordinated the drive with her fourth grade class as well as with Bonnie Barner's first-graders and kindergartners in Michelle Williams' and Lynette Miller's classes.

Melchior said she was inspired by the collection center special education teacher Cori Kinn's helped establish at Jefferson Elementary School this summer. Kinns helped identify the families in need and even delivered items to one of them.

Melchior's class organized all of the donations at the end of the drive, testing the lights and separating items. Each family received a tree as well as a variety of ornaments, lights, decorations and even an extension cord.

"It really has been a tough year for us," said Vicky Walker, whose family was displaced by the flooding. "I am so very thankful for what the district has done for us. It is a very humbling experience, and I am deeply grateful. When the time comes, I'd like to pay it forward."

[News Archives]