Horizon second-graders share Christmas spirit with ‘Cans for a Cause’
For “Cans for a Cause,” Horizon second-graders collected 697 cans of food for the Downtown Rescue Mission. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Second-grader Jake Shaunce supported “Cans for a Cause” at Horizon Elementary School. “We should always help people when they need help,” Jake said. “I might need help one day.”
Horizon’s 102 second-grade students and five teachers participated in the canned food drive for the Downtown Rescue Mission. “As a school, our administration has encouraged grade levels to participate in a service project for the past two years,” second-grade teacher Annette Driggers said.
Driggers wanted to promote Horizon’s “The Leader in Me” philosophy with this service project. “We wanted the children to be proactive in finding a need, take action and having the end in mind by having a goal for the cans,” she said.
Driggers chose the mission as recipient because of their “Christian-based mission. I personally know the ministers there.”
Originally setting a goal of 500 cans, the students collected 697 cans of meat, vegetables, soups, sauces and beans. Students were excited to see the big truck from the mission and the men loading boxes.
Cans for a Cause reinforced academic work while instilling positive character. Students tallied can collections and wrote daily totals on a large paper can hanging outside each classroom. “This was a great way to review math skills,” Driggers said.
Teachers and students discussed the Downtown Rescue Mission’s work. “They comprehend about as much as a seven-year-old (can),” Driggers said. “Someone needs food or a place to stay, and the mission gives it to them.”
Instead of receiving prizes, the students’ ‘reward’ “was the good feeling of helping someone else. “Students actually understand this concept now. We’re so pleased with the children’s attitudes. It’s always better to give than receive,” Driggers said.
Second-grader Avery Cumbie agreed and said, “I liked bringing in cans to help feed people who don’t have any food. It makes me feel good inside.”
The drive proved that one can of food could make a difference, Driggers said. “They’re never too young to understand that we should always help our fellow man.”
