RICHMOND, Mass. — Giving is not a seasonal thing at Richmond School — the school community makes a point to help those in need all year round.
But the holiday season is a special time and this year the school community participated in two holiday drives among its other charitable initiatives.
"I think it is the most important outcome for our kids is to give back and I think the kids enjoy doing it," Principal Monica Zanin said last week. "They see how grateful the community members are and that it is why we do it."
This year, the Student Council selected families in the community and collected boxes of food for them.
But it didn't stop there.
Students and faculty also donated items to the Elizabeth Freeman Center.
"It's items that they say they need that aren't food related," fourth-grade teacher Julia Sabourin said. "So each grade collected some of the things, and it's pretty awesome."
Reading specialist Jill Pompi said the community's giving goes beyond the holidays and that the school also hosted a "Loose Change for Louisiana" drive.
She said many libraries were hit by Hurricane Katrina, destroying books. Pompi said instead of sending over books, the school decided to raise money for the libraries so they could buy the books they wanted and needed.
She said a bucket was left in the school to collect.
"There were $10 bills in there, there were dollar bills in there, there were quarters, there were dimes," Pompi said. "The kids have a lot of coins to roll."
She added that the Richmond community also participated in a shoe drive for a community in Africa. They were able to donate more than 600 shoes.
"I asked if anyone had gently worn shoes they were willing to donate and I ended up with over 300 pairs of shoes," she said. "Some are gently used some are brand new … my office was overtaken with shoes."
Pompi said she thinks it's important that students not only see the importance of helping their own community but the world.
Pompi, who is new to the Richmond School community, said she was blown away by the its kindness.
"I am amazed by the community and their willingness they have to help and support," she said.
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