Arlington Third-Graders Help Out Needy Families
D.J. Gaines looked like he’d been shopping for years. A third grader at Arlington Elementary School, Gaines took the reins of a small group of students who were shopping for groceries for poor families for Thanksgiving.
“Nah, put that back,” Gaines told classmate Matt Cassan. “That Cool Whip is too expensive. We gotta save money.”
Along with Cassandra Long and Samantha Cooper pushing the cart, these four looked like a miniature version of the cast of “Friends” as they manipulated their way up and down the aisles of Excell Foods at Francis and Crestline.
“We’re buying food for people who are having trouble with money,” Gaines said.
On to the carrots.
About 75 Arlington third graders prepared food baskets for 10 needy families for Thanksgiving.
They shopped for food, baked pies and, on Monday afternoon, participated in the Turkey Trot Fun Run.
Parents, students and teachers at the school paid 25 cents to tackle the mile-long run. The entry fee went toward purchasing food for the needy.
For the past few weeks, the students have planned a turkey-day menu with their teachers.
They watched for sales, clipped coupons and compared prices through newspaper advertisements. Then they organized a budget and shopped at the store.
“We want them to appreciate what Thanksgiving really means,” said Jane Schelly, a physical education teacher who organized the race and helped students shop.
Schelly said local businesses also kicked in donations.
“Not only was I impressed with the number of businesses that wanted to help, but there were a lot of small start-up businesses willing to donate,” Schelly said.
Arlington teacher Esther Baker shuttled a group of five students around the store trying to help them find the best bargains.
Though one of Baker’s students had a difficult time understanding that two five-pound bags of potatoes were more expensive than one 10-pound bag, his holiday spirit wasn’t dampened in the least.
“This is good for them,” Baker said of the 6-year-old program. “In addition to applying math and learning how to shop for a bargain, they get a chance to help people who aren’t as fortunate as they are.”
Schelly’s group of students agreed.
“It makes me feel good to help other people,” said Long, with Gaines, Cooper and Cassan all nodding their heads in agreement.
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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: DONATIONS MADE These local businesses made donations to third graders at Arlington Elementary School for Thanksgiving food baskets they distributed to needy families. Java Hut. Zips (on Francis). Twyla’s Treasures. Hallett’s Chocolates and Treats. Hair Etc. Pieroni’s Deli. URM Stores.