article in the Salt Lake Tribune

Nicks class was in an article in the Salt Lake Tribune. Enjoy...

Holiday gifts bring smiles, delight
BY NATALIE DICOU
The Salt Lake Tribune
Published Dec 29, 2010 01:21PM
Updated Dec 29, 2010 10:53AM
It was all a big surprise for Woodrow Wilson Elementary students — a big, wonderful surprise.
Sitting in the school gym watching “Polar Express” the day before school let out for winter break, students had no clue Santa was ambling up the empty hall, toting a bag of candy canes to hand out when the movie ended. They also didn’t know that, waiting in their classrooms, sat backpacks brimming with toys, snacks and school supplies.
Each of the school’s 750 children received a backpack full of goodies, thanks to the elementary school’s partnership with Farmers Insurance. The company provided backpacks and gifts for students. The South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Granite School District, Wilson Elementary PTA and others chipped in.
“This is really amazing,” said Principal Lynda Hart. “When you see how many people work to help us, it’s so inspiring.”
Wilson Elementary, 2567 S. Main St. in South Salt Lake, is a Title I school. It serves a large refugee population, and 65 percent of students are learning English as their second language.
“Our families are all pretty much in poverty,” Hart said. “It’s too hard for us to single out families who need help so we just do it for all of the kids. For the last three years, we’ve made sure every student goes home with something for the holidays.”
Sensitive to students’ cultures — many don’t celebrate Christmas — Wilson Elementary’s winter gift bag giveaway gains more contributors from outside the school each year.
Counselor Marsha Webster has worked for community support, and received it.
After the movie, students in Helen Bingham’s third-grade class returned to their classroom and discovered the new backpacks, blue for boys, pink for girls. Boys received toy cars and Legos. Girls took home Barbies.
Bingham announced to her students it was time to unzip their bags, and they giggled and shrieked in delight as they sifted through their treasures.
The event often helps other siblings. “I’m sure our older kids will give the toys and coloring books to younger siblings and family members,” Hart said. “It’s really meaningful to our kids. They are worrying about how to take care of their families.”
In addition to toys, students received gloves, scarves, toothbrushes and food items, such as macaroni and cheese, Ramen noodles and granola bars.
“We really worry about our kids not having enough to eat,” Hart said.
After watching the joyous frenzy, Bingham was choked up.
“When you see the expression on these kids’ faces, that’s what it’s all about,” she said. “Christmas is Christmas, but when it’s needed and appreciated, it’s powerful.”

If you want to read the actual article with the pictures of Nicks class here is the link:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/neighborhoodcity/50936919-135/students-elementary-kids-hart.html.csp