FARMINGTON — Students in Stacey Augustine’s kindergarten class gathered in a circle Thursday, Dec. 20, just prior to the school holiday vacation. They were overflowing with energy and could barely contain their excitement for what they were about to take part in.

W.G. Mallett School students in Stacey Augustine’s kindergarten class talk about the impact of giving and sharing. The class gathered donations which were delivered to Franklin County Children’s Task Force on Thursday, Dec. 20. Pictured in no particular order: Harrison Cote, Owen Chick, Nikkole Jalbert, Nova Cowell-Sarofeen, Kaleb Highsmith, Fox Gagnon, Peyton Burnham, Daygon Purington, Romeo Decker, Tatiana Bernard, Emma Hafenecker, Leeann Vogel, Alexis Bryant, Poppy Davis, Emily Roy, and Solomon Bobson. (Franklin Journal photo by Dee Menear)

The class had gathered donations of new and gently used toys, clothing, books, and shoes for Franklin County Children’s Task Force. Students were about to deliver the goods but first, they talked about the reason for their charity.

“I have been doing this in my classroom for 15 years,” said Augustine. “We start by reading “The Peace Book” by Todd Parr and generating ideas for things we can do to help others in the community this time of year.”

Augustine asked students, “What is peace”?

The class responded with a variety of answers: peace is sometimes quiet; peace is love; peace is planting a tree; and peace is hugging a friend.

“Peace is helping others,” said one student.

Augustine said there are several factors in choosing FCCTF as a donation recipient: the organization is local, it benefits children and is a great community organization. “We have a collaborative relationship with them,” she added.

W.G. Mallett School kindergarten student Emma Hafenecker and her classmates gather donated items for delivery to Franklin County Children’s Task Force. (Franklin Journal photo by Dee Menear)

“The children can go home and choose things that they have outgrown, are too big for, and have really enjoyed reading or playing with and now want others to have that same experience,” said Augustine. “At this time of year, the children will be getting new things from family and Santa so it is a good time to go through what we have and give to others, a time to be grateful and thankful for what we have and make a small difference for others.”

Students lined up to deliver backpacks, bags and boxes filled with donated items. Rileigh Blanchet, FCCTF community coordinator accepted the offerings, which filled a vehicle.

W.G. Mallett School students Kaleb Highsmith at front, Leeann Vogel, Owen Chick and Emily Roy line up to deliver donations to Rileigh Blanchet, community coordinator for Franklin County Children’s Task Force. (Franklin Journal photo by Dee Menear)

“It is about giving to others and sharing with others,” said Augustine. “I want the children to be empowered and inspire others to give. We all have love, time, energy and effort to share with others.”

 dmenear@thefranklinjournal.com