By Melanie Patterson
The North Jefferson News
Just in time for Christmas, Bryan Elementary students were learning the meaning of compassion and giving.
From Dec. 7 through Dec. 18, fifth-graders headed up a school-wide food drive called “10 Days of Compassion.”
The name describes the purpose.
“We’re trying to teach the students to have compassion and to care about others,” said P.E. teacher Rebecca Recke during the drive. “The kids are doing a great job.”
The school had challenged each grade to bring in a total of 1,000 canned food and hygiene items, with the grade level that donated the most items winning extra P.E. time.
All of the items were donated to the Caring Center, an organization affiliated with the North Jefferson Baptist Association that helps north Jefferson County families in need.
The winners of the contest, at the last minute, were Bryan’s fourth-graders, according to counselor Jimmy Warren. They won by 60 cans. First grade came in second.
Students collected a total of 4,163 items.
“It was great to see the students caring about others,” said principal Debra Campbell.
