Would the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes last week?
Weston Elementary School students were eagerly watching, as they brought in canned food items in the spirit of giving.
For every 100 cans, the Grinch’s heart will grow one size larger and the hearts of the beneficiaries– the Hancock County Food Pantry– will become even more grateful.
The goal was 300, but by the end of the week the Grinch’s heart grew nearly 10 times the size with 954 cans and boxes sent to the community’s pantry.
From preschoolers to high school seniors, Greenfield-Central students are giving back to their hometown. While it’s certainly prevalent during the holiday season, philanthropy and community service are taught and modeled year-round at Greenfield-Central.
All eight schools prioritize service, says Superintendent Dr. Harold Olin.
“We have students and staff members collecting shoes, canned goods, toys for the holiday season, penny wars for local non-profits and other similar activities,” Olin said. “Serving and supporting the members of our community have always been part of the social fabric of Greenfield-Central. It has become important to our students because it is also a reflection of the trait that many of our parents also value.”
Since Hancock County is historically very generous, he said it’s important to help the next generation see the value in kindness.
Several GC elementary schools are hosting nonperishable food drives this week, for example. When fourth grade classrooms were moved to the Tier 1 buildings this year, it opened an opportunity to grow leadership among GC’s youngest students. At Weston Elementary, for example, teachers Brianna Brechbuhl and Callie Nulph started a student council to develop leaders among third and fourth graders.
“I want to help the school– I want to be a leader” said third grader Eddie Dickson.
Student council members are counting and sorting the food donations each day this week.
“We’re going to donate them to the pantry, for the homeless people who can’t afford food,” added third grader Emery Meeks. “It would be really hard to survive, especially without food.”
GC’s intermediate schools have been working on several projects.
Dozens of students with Maxwell Intermediate School’s elementary honor society, for example arrived before school started one day last week to create holiday art. The pieces are being delivered to Vita Senior Living in Greenfield to brighten the homes of residents who may be spending their first holiday in the senior center for the first time.
“I am thrilled to see so many students who are willing to arrive at school before the sun comes up to create art that will positively impact other community members,” said Principal Lisa Leliaert. “We had nearly 50 students at school today for this club, and many of the students have far exceeded the number of required hours of community service. I appreciate our students and their giving hearts!”
Greenfield Intermediate School Principal Bronson Curtis says the student council and honor society also have several community projects and toy drives.
A new GIS group this year is the Cougars of Character Club. Teacher Austin Graddy started the all-boys group to teach them how to become young gentlemen, and leaders inside and outside of the classroom. They even had an impromptu lesson on jump starting a car of a teacher who was stranded in the parking lot.
“My main goal for the boys was to show them how it’s important to give back to your community,” Graddy said, adding that they raked leaves for nearby houses just before Thanksgiving. “Something as simple as raking leaves can really change someone’s day. I had this activity be student-led, meaning they were in charge of ringing on doorbells and talking to the homeowners as well as picking which houses to rake. Overall, the leadership shown that day was awesome!”
Teenagers also take on many community service projects. For example, Greenfield-Central High School’s student council hosts a Halloween party for children every year, providing a safe place for families to trick or treat while also raising money for Riley Hospital for Children.
The Greenfield Central Junior High School Cares Club participates in several local projects, and they gave the gift of time last week to volunteer at the Hancock County Food Pantry.
The giving will only continue in the new year. Each GC school participates in the No Cold Feet shoe drive for Changing Footprints, an organization that provides footwear of al sizes to the community free of charge. Eden Elementary– while the smallest elementary school in the community– has won the competition every year. The school has a reputation for being a small, close-knit community that supports each other graciously.
The ripple effect of these projects is understated. “Citizenship,” “character” and “teamwork” are among the top lessons GC leaders want to impart on students.
Robin LeClaire, GC director of student services, says people are not born with a sense of community so it’s important that public schools help students grow in their ability to empathize and make the world a better place.
But beyond helping “the world” in general, LeClaire says it’s important to see that their neighbors need a lift. GC teachers and club sponsors are great at connecting real-life examples to students, helping them see that their own Greenfield community needs volunteers and generosity daily.
“Connection is truly the keystone in making change. Seeing how the chain reaction begins and gains momentum when one person does one act of kindness inspires and motivates,” she said. “Teachers have to find ways to show that to their students in a way where they can actually see and feel the difference. Unlike sending money to a far away land where you cannot see the impact, doing something close to home where your result is clear makes an imprint on a heart.”
Oftentimes, students are inspired by the examples of their teachers. Many staff members have community affiliations and churches outside of school where they volunteer.
They also work behind the scenes to help GC families in need, giving generously without asking for anything in return.
“Staff are constantly putting things together for students,” LeClaire said. “They sponsor families and provide Christmas and food for families in need. Many staff band together in small groups to adopt a family and provide Christmas, and that family may never know it was a staff member who did it.”
Since the Hancock County community has been so generous to GC students, it’s exciting to see students learn leadership and value community through service projects year-round.
“Seeing community members give of themselves– time, talent and treasure– inspires our young people to do the same,” LeClaire said. “Hancock County is full of people and organizations that value community and service, so growing the next generation could not be more important.”
By Maribeth Vaughn
MIS honor society students displaying their artwork that was sent to Vita Senior Living in Greenfield.