At a recent Auburn administrator meeting, the principals shared how each school adopted families who needed help at Christmas. Teachers, PTO volunteers and local churches volunteered to help.

Some parents told school staff they couldn’t provide a Christmas for their children and asked if there was anything they could do.

Other families were recommended by school workers.

Each Auburn school collected money, toys and food and distributed them to the families.

At Sherwood Heights, Principal Laura Shaw said some of her substitute teachers and teachers take the lead in helping every year.

“They get to know the kids and families and try to help them,” Shaw said. The school also gives the names of needy families to local churches. “It seems like the need is growing,” Shaw said.

Grondin estimates each school helped between 20 to 30 families.

“It’s important people know the work we do goes beyond the schools,” she said.

— Bonnie Washuk