Hammond Middle School Students Spread the Joy -
12/5/05
As a conclusion to the Beta Club/Middle School altruistic mission, Project Holiday Joy, 60 students gathered Saturday, December 3, at the Target on Garner’s Ferry Road to purchase Christmas gifts for 27 children and parents, and 13 new mothers for a total of 40 beneficiaries. This was made possible by the more than $6000 raised through the first phase of the project, which challenged students to raise a minimum of five dollars for each hour of community service they work.
The students from each grade that raised the most funds were then given the opportunity to shop for Hammond’s adopted families. “This is the really fun part,” said faculty sponsor Sally Aldridge, “the kids get so excited about shopping for items that our families really want or need.” The shopping trip was organized into four shifts by grade level, beginning at 8:00 AM and continued until noon. Shoppers were divided into groups of three and then given a shopping list that was specific to one of the adopted individuals as well as a spending limit. The funds raised this year allowed Hammond to provide everything from those lists. Furthermore, due to a ten percent discount, provided by Target, Hammond was able to provide gift cards for each family using the surplus funds. All purchases were then loaded into faculty and volunteer vehicles to be transported to the Nurturing Center in downtown Columbia.
Representatives for the Nurturing Center were overwhelmed by Hammond’s contributions and showed their appreciated wholeheartedly. “Many of our families have nothing to give,” said one representative. “This is so wonderful!”
As a conclusion to the Beta Club/Middle School altruistic mission, Project Holiday Joy, 60 students gathered Saturday, December 3, at the Target on Garner’s Ferry Road to purchase Christmas gifts for 27 children and parents, and 13 new mothers for a total of 40 beneficiaries. This was made possible by the more than $6000 raised through the first phase of the project, which challenged students to raise a minimum of five dollars for each hour of community service they work.
