Spirit Of Giving Resounds Lewis And Clark Students Share With The Less Fortunate
Christmas came early at Lewis and Clark High School.
It happened quietly Saturday in the school auditorium. One by one, dozens of children approached the stage to get their photos taken with Santa Claus. Each received a present.
“It’s wonderful,” said Stephanie Bering, who brought her three sons. “It’s really wonderful that these high school kids do this to make the children of Spokane happy.”
For the past 32 years, Lewis and Clark students have raised money to buy presents and host a party for some of the city’s poorest children.
“The biggest part of Christmas is giving,” said junior Josh Arriola, an event organizer. “These kids have a lot less than most.”
Two weeks before the event, the students contacted the Salvation Army to get a list of children’s names. Some of them wouldn’t have received anything for Christmas otherwise, said Bob Lobdell, who has been on the LC faculty for 30 years.
This year, students received 92 names from the Salvation Army. Each homeroom was assigned to buy gifts for one to two children. Together, the students raised more than $900.
“It’s an awesome thing,” said senior Mary Signer, the student body president. “It’s beneficial for us, too, because we see who we’re helping.”
Signer and other students also solicited local businesses to help sponsor the party. The 6-foot Christmas tree on the stage came from Heights Home Center and Nursery. Rosauers and other organizations donated ornaments.
On Saturday, children and their parents were greeted with cookies, decorations and a stage scattered with presents.
Dressed in costumes, students pranced around the stage as they re-enacted “The Night Before Christmas.” They also played Christmas tunes on the piano as children waited for Santa to call out their names.
“It’s hard to buy a lot for your kids while keeping a roof over their heads,” said Jerry Smith, who brought his two children to the party. “Most (poor) kids don’t get much for Christmas.”
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo