The spirit of giving was in the air at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. On Wednesday, the hallways of the school filled with cheer as students of all ages dressed in Christmas attire prepared to visit several nursing homes throughout Valparaiso and sing Christmas carols.
The students wanted to make sure it was a day the residents would never forget. On top of the Christmas performance, they baked the residents plenty of sweet holiday treats and even got them gifts. Cliff Bryan, Managing Director of Investments and Branch Manager for Benjamin F. Edwards, sponsored the event, covering every cost from transportation to gifts.
“Today is all about the kids and the residents,” Bryan said. “We want to help teach the kids about giving back, that’s what the holidays are all about.”
With everything from Christmas cookies, making lists, and a visiting Santa, it’s often hard for kids to contain their excitement during the holidays. Bryan was amazed to see that same level of excitement in the hallways, knowing that they will have a huge impact on the senior community this holiday season.
“I can’t imagine it does anything but brighten up their day,” Bryan said. “This provides a chance for the kids to not just be part of their school, but part of their community as well, and to help make a difference.”
To help get ready for the big day, all students gathered in the elementary school’s gym to get in a little practice before the big performance. They sang classic Christmas carols such as Silent Night, Jingle Bells, and, of course, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Teachers of all grades helped lead the singing, smiling just as much as their students. Some even got into the spirit and were dancing along with the kids.
“Everyone is so excited; It’s great to see,” said Laura Bryan, first-grade teacher at Thomas Jefferson. “All of the teachers and kids came together to learn the songs. It was a lot of fun. We want to make sure there wasn't a single person who wouldn’t be smiling today.”
This is the tenth year of Thomas Jefferson performing a community service event. Christmas spirit or not, teachers and students alike strive to do their part in giving back to the community.
“The community always does so much for us, and we want to make sure we do all we can to give back,” Bryan said. “I am so glad our kids love it, and some residents have even had tears in their eyes in the past. It means so much to them, and that is what it is all about.”