Cape students practice compassion

Cape Central Middle School students and staff, pictured above, collected and delivered more than 1400 containers of food for the Salvation Army during the recent holiday season. It was just one of many activities to help less fortunate families throughout the Cape Public School District.

The holiday spirit was evident at all ten campuses of the Cape Public School District, and one of the most ambitious efforts was at Central Middle School, 1900 Thilenius. Middle School students prepared 33 Military Care Packages in cooperation with USA Veterans, VFW Aux. Post 2210, and Marine Corps Auxiliary. The students, faculty and staff also raised $749.00 to benefit the Jaycees Toybox drive, volunteered at West Park Mall packing meals for Feeding the Starving Children, and collected more than 1,400 containers of food for the Salvation Army. Students also made cards for Southeast Hospital patients, prepared 75 "soup in a jar" and 100 "meals in a mug" gifts for the elderly, in addition to 100 gift bags for the Veterans Home. These projects were in addition to their successful "rake and run" Thanksgiving project.

The District's elementary campuses also gave back to the community. For example, Alma Schrader, Clippard and Franklin elementary students were busy collecting for the Salvation Army, FISH food pantry, Toybox and other organizations. Clippard first graders in Mrs. Smith's class focused on the "Caring" character trait and put it into action by anonymously "adopting" two children for Christmas. After learning of two children whose families would not be receiving help, the class created a list of new items they wanted to provide. School supplies, coats, gloves, underclothes and clothing were collected, as well as fun things like a bike, books, and toys. Parents commented that it was encouraging to see their child showing compassion for someone else, and how excited they were to secretly help others.