California Elementary fifth graders join forces with Kiwanis Club to make a brighter Christmas

Dr. Peter Kurowski holds the check from the fifth grade students for the "Circle of Sharing." Fifth graders presenting the check are, from left of Kurowski, Sarah Kirby, Audrie Pritchard, Shawn Bell, Zoie Moore, Bethany Medlin and Kiwanis member Bobby Roll.
Dr. Peter Kurowski holds the check from the fifth grade students for the "Circle of Sharing." Fifth graders presenting the check are, from left of Kurowski, Sarah Kirby, Audrie Pritchard, Shawn Bell, Zoie Moore, Bethany Medlin and Kiwanis member Bobby Roll.

California Elementary School fifth graders presented the funds gained from the "Circle of Sharing Project" to the California Kiwanis Club on Monday, Dec. 14, at the elementary school. It was accepted by Kiwanis members President Peter Kurowski and past president Bobby Roll.

Following the presentation Kurowski told the fifth grade students that this was not just a "BLT - Big Little Thing, but it was a BBLT - Big Big Little Thing." Complimenting them on how their hard work and giving would help so many. He continued with, "Christmas is about love and you have shared your love with your community and we are very proud to join forces with you to assist families in need." He ended with having the children share "Hooray's for their teachers and themselves."

Funds raised each year are donated to the California Kiwanis Club for use in its projects to assist children. Fifth graders are challenged to share tickets for $1 for a chance to win gift baskets. The money is put to good use by Kiwanis to help children in need.

The students make a wall of sharing in the fifth grade hallway to inspire them to help those in need according to fifth grade teacher Lisa Milligan. "It just gives them an understanding not everyone is as fortunate as they are and when they pass by it each day they think about others at Christmas time."

The fifth grade students sell $1 tickets for a chance to win gift baskets. The students raised $2,432 this year. "The Kiwanis will add an additional $1,000," according to Roll who encouraged the students by sharing "when you give it will be given unto you." The funds will used to purchase gift cards to help children and their families. The gift cards will be turned over to the school administrators for presentation across the school district where the greatest need is determined.

Each fifth grade student donates $2 of his/her own money to purchase items to make the gift baskets. It is always guaranteed that five gift baskets will be given, as there are five fifth grade classrooms. However, due to generosity of parents, the fourth grade teachers and business people in the California community this year nine gifts were drawn for at the close of the fifth grade assembly. Basket themes included, Frozen, Missouri sports, hunting, coffee, movie night, working out and care items.

This year the names of all who purchased tickets were put into a large bag and winners of the gift baskets were drawn out by fifth grade students. Winning baskets went to Taylor Belt, Teresa Porter, Larry Lee, Jennifer Dampf, Louise Osborn, Sirena Lee (2), Betty Atwell and Jamie Atwell.

The fifth grade students at California Elementary are taught by Angela Butts-Althoff, Stephanie Zimmerman, Lisa Milligan, Amy Higgins and Susan Ferrell.