Santa’s little helpers

Students at Lake Superior Elementary School are turning traditional roles on their heads this month. Instead of asking for presents, they are giving gifts away. Last week, the children spent hours creating ornaments with beads, glitter, cans, felt, pinecones, glue and care. The items were sold Friday during the school’s winter sing-along. Proceeds were used to purchase gifts for children at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s.

“We’re raising money for the children’s hospital,” said Nathan Maki, 8, a second grader.

Carrie Conley and her 3-year-old daughter, Cora, looked over the ornaments seeking projects done by kindergarten students. Cora’s brother, Toren, made some of them. The 3-year-old found plenty of treasures — from bead icicles to deer made out of popsicle sticks and felt trees.

Annette Jacobson searched for items made by her daughter, a first grader.

“She is really excited about the whole program, singing, getting dressed up for today; she’s a singer,” Jacobson said. “And she likes making things, I suppose, like every little girl.”

Last year, a similar “Lake Superior Kids Give Back” project raised more than $600 for the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. The children shopped with adults to collect “two or three tables full” of items ranging from diapers and clothes to toys, according to second grader Dakota Sorenson, 7.

“It feels good because you’re helping other people and giving them gifts,” Nathan said.

“Cause if we didn’t do this, they wouldn’t have any presents and they’d have to stay there all Christmas,” Dakota said.

Both boys had Christmas wishes of their own, from remote controlled cars to MP3 players. But they said they enjoyed helping others.

Jacobson went shopping with her daughter last year for families in need as part of a separate kindergarten project.

“We took some of the kids with us to show them ‘This is what you need to do for families that are in need,’” she said.

While last year’s “Lake Superior Kids Give Back” fundraiser was led by teachers and staff, members of the student council took over the planning this year.

“I think it’s a great activity for the kids to get involved in,” said Tristan Kerfeld, who advises the student council.

Last week’s ornament sale raised $639. Monday, students purchased gifts for Essentia Health-St. Mary’s children’s hospital with the money. The presents ranged from Barbie dolls and Legos to Chapstick, which can be used to coat the inside of anesthesia masks so they smell better for young patients. The students plan to hand the gifts to a hospital representative Friday following a school assembly.

Tags: news, education, family, health