AUBURN — In a corner of the Edward Little High School basement Tuesday lots of bags and boxes were filled with canned and boxed food.

There were also jackets of all sizes and colors, hats, mittens, sleeping bags and toys.

The goods were the result of a student drive to help families in need during Christmas, health teacher Craig Jipson said.

Jipson and government teacher Craig Latuscha helped revive the Student Senate this year to develop leaders. Part of being a leader, Jipson said, is serving others.

Earlier this month the 52 Student Senate members launched “Eddie’s 1,000 Strong” with a goal of getting 1,000 items of donated food, clothing and toys.

To their surprise, donations exceeded that goal in just a few weeks.

“We have 1,300 items and they’re still pouring in,” Jipson said with a smile. “Teachers went out and bought jackets for young children. A gentleman got top-line L.L. Bean jackets. It’s bag after bag.”

It’s needed, he said. “Our school and community have become more economically disadvantaged over the last 10 years. There’s more and more kids who don’t have (what they need).”

Students said they feel good about helping others.

“We wanted to make somebody’s Christmas better,” said Christian Beliveau, 16. He and others come from families with enough. But he knows plenty of students who don’t. “We wanted to make them feel good,” he said.

Sophia Wood, 17, said growing up, the best part about Christmas was waking up knowing there’d be toys and presents under the tree. She brought in toys she used to play with. It feels good, she said, to help children “who don’t have anything.”

Mack Sampson, 15, said some students purged their family’s houses looking for things to bring in. Other students bought food and toys, or asked local merchants for donations.

During the drive, Student Senate members divided into teams then canvassed the school community to see which team could gather the most. The competition made it fun, they said.

Looking at the piles of donations, students said that during the next few days they’ll deliver the food, clothing and toys to four agencies: Trinity Jubilee, Hope Haven Gospel Mission, The Salvation Army and Safe Voices, plus a couple of churches and organizations that help families.

Teachers said their students are learning the lesson that when you give, you receive.

“The kids are learning to give back to the community,” Latuscha said. “The community gives to us on a regular basis. For the first time in a while, we’re giving back to the people who need it.”

And as they donate their effort and time, they’re strengthening the school community, Latuscha said. “This type of activity builds school spirit, culture, and makes us better.”

bwashuk@sunjournal.com   

pull-quote:

“Our school and community has become more economically disadvantaged over the last 10 years. There’s more and more kids who don’t have (what they need).” — Edward Little High School teacher Craig Jipson

Edward Little High School juniors, from left, Christian Beliveau, Sophia Wood, Jaylyn Metivier and Oliver Hall helped collect more than 1,300 items that will be given to families in need. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)

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