BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

For a fourth year, Grade 7 students at Berwick school have partnered with the Salvation Army to make Christmas brighter for two local families.

Teacher Jason Spinney says the initiative remains a favorite activity for students.

“From the first time we did this four years ago, the kids have shown an incredible interest in helping out other kids.”

This year, for the first time, students in Spinney’s and Cyndi MacLennan’s classes raised enough money for two families. By hosting a dance for fellow students and a barbecue, they raised over $1,000, which they used to purchase close to 100 Christmas gift items: clothes, toys, books, household and personal items.

Spinney said the activity is not only enjoyable for students, but it also presents a variety of excellent learning opportunities.

“It’s a wonderful life-lesson for the kids to understand that they can work together to make a difference and help out another family,” said Spinney, as the gifts were being wrapped by the students December 11. He said they also tested their math skills by making every effort to maximize the money.

“They wanted to get the best bang for their buck, so they really looked for the bargains to make the money go as far as it could.”

Once wrapped, the gifts were collected by the Salvation Army, which will distribute them to the families.

“If it’s anything like the past few years, they will pick the packages up with tears in their eyes. They really appreciate the kids’ enthusiasm and recognize their efforts will help them make Christmas a happier time for those who are less fortunate.”