Christmas projects at Cape Public Schools spread happiness

Head Nurse Jeanne Heise at Cape Central High School, center photo, has been organizing the school's Christmas for Needy Families program for 28 years. This week she received dozens of thank-you cards from grateful families throughout the Cape School District.

Across the Cape School District this holiday season students and faculty were busy creating and distributing gift and food packages. Planning began months ago for Cape Central High School's annual Christmas for Needy Families program, now in its 28th year.

Cape Central High School students Sam Gerlach and Meg Goodman worked on gift baskets.

Horticulture students in Harry F. Bertrand Jr's class at Career and Technology Center began growing poinsettias at the beginning of the school year, while Nurse Jeanne Heise was organizing clubs and organizations at the high school. Businesses and individuals also contributed to the cause. When the dozens of gift baskets were completed they contained hams, bread, milk, sweet potatoes, canned goods, poinsettias, toys and hand-made gift items.

Similar efforts were underway at other schools throughout the district. At Jefferson Elementary, for example, 163 families received gifts baskets, thanks to the organizational skills of Jamie Jones, parent liaison. She said the effort would not have been possible without the generosity of business partners and other school supporters.

Cape Career and Technology Center students Trevor Williams and Tori Ourth, prepared poinsettias.