For a lot of children, Christmas during the ongoing pandemic hasn't been shaping up to be very merry.
Especially at Christ the King Catholic School in Dallas.
Although some families have lost everything, what bothers the students at CKS is not how little they’ll receive, but how much they can give.
“It was a little disappointing because I know that there’s a lot of people that are in need,” said seventh-grader Olivia Tusa.
“I want to try and give people as good of a life as possible,” said eighth-grader Wallace Archie. “Not being able to do that, upset me.”
To help those in need, typically, every year, for one night during the holiday season, students and families at CKS would get together for a night of service.
“However, with COVID this year our parents aren’t even allowed on campus,” said Madeline Elliott, social studies teacher for the upper school. “So, we kind of just thought we might have to take a pass this year.”
The chance to give back was the one day each year that every student looked forward to. That’s why, even during a pandemic, they were determined to give.
Working with their families at home and then bringing their projects to school, students have been able to do even more.
The youngest kids collected cards for service members. First and second graders gathered gifts for the elderly. Third graders made blessing bags, fourth graders collected items for homeless people and the rest of the school put together bags to send to Africa.
From cards to clothing and coats to backpacks, their good deeds will provide a happy holiday for seniors, the military, homeless people, and many others.
However, some students say they’re the ones who have been profoundly changed.
Madeline Winterly says she started her own charity, PB&J with Love, because she wanted to do more.
“I think they pushed me to find my love for service and without that, I don’t think that I would’ve found it,” Winterle said. “Helping others is one of the most important things in this world.”
“I mean, isn’t that the most important lesson that I can teach them?” Elliott asked. “History’s important too, but honestly, how you can make a difference in your community when the people need it most is the most important thing.”
History may be important, but the future has never been so bright.