L’view students display Christmas spirit

Lincolnview Elementary School information

In the spirit of giving at Christmastime, Lincolnview sixth-graders collected money to support the Angel Tree. Students raised $550, and were able to purchase gifts for eight children with the money.

“This tradition began about ten years ago,” said teacher Matt Langdon. “It is an opportunity to reach out to the community and demonstrate to students how our actions can help others who are less fortunate.

“It places the focus on what Christmas is really about,” Langdon added. “Walmart is great — they open a lane just for us and really enjoy it when we come in to shop.”

Sixth-grader Kaelan Swallow talked about the experience.

“Being with my friends and helping people in need was really fun, and it felt good,” she said. “Giving is an important value in my family, and even if you don’t have money to donate you can still give your time.”

Fellow student Evan Bowersock agreed.

“Angel tree shopping was great,” he noted. “We shopped for an eight-year-old boy, and he had Ninja Turtles and Legos on his wish list. It was fun to pick out his toys!”

Langdon said one of the most meaningful moments was buying diapers for a 6-month-old baby.

“That impacted the kids,” he added. “It never occurred to them that something as simple as diapers is a real need for someone.”