At the time of year when most children are dreaming about what new toy they might find under the Christmas tree, one 6-year-old instead was thinking about what he could give away.
It all started with a Veterans Day program at Osborne Elementary in the Quaker Valley School District when fifth-grade teacher Thomas Shaughnessy spoke to students about his time in Iraq as a platoon leader. He told a story about a little girl he met there who didn't own a pair of shoes and had only one dress.
After the assembly, Kristina Policastro's kindergarten students went back to class, reflected on Shaughnessy's speech and expressed sadness for the less-fortunate children.
jared Stainless Steel Bracelet"I was very surprised the kindergarten paid as much attention as they did," Policastro said. "I was amazed that the kids got his message."
Louis Vuitton Fake HandbagsBut it was student Will Campbell who became particularly interested in Shaughnessy's story, Policastro said.
"I thought, 'That doesn't seem fair to those kids,' " Will said, thinking back to what Shaughnessy said.
Over Thanksgiving break, Will visited his grandparents in Ohio. During a church service there, he spoke in front of parishioners about what he learned during the program and sold drawings he made to church members to raise money to help the children in Iraq.
Will, described by Policastro as "heartfelt, creative and always thinking," raised almost $100, which he brought back to the school. Still, he didn't feel that was enough.
embroidered patches
Will, Policastro and Shaughnessy brainstormed and came up with an idea.
"(Shaughnessy) explained how much American soldiers loved receiving packages of things they could hand out to the children in Iraq. He said it always reminded them of home," Policastro said.
They decided to hold a toy drive with the rest of the kindergarten and send new and gently used toys overseas. Last week, the toys were packaged and made ready to be shipped. The money Will raised likely will go toward shipping costs.
Policastro said she was amazed at the generosity shown by the kindergarteners.
"The thing that got me the most was kids that came in and said, 'This was my favorite toy, but I want them to have it,' " she said. "I'm proud that the students really got something out of it."
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