Christmas concerts, plays and other holiday-themed events are often what sticks out for family and friends during this festive season.
Palliser Regional Schools’ students do so much more than just share their talents in the days leading up to the holiday break, however. They showcase the true spirit of the season by giving their time to those in the community who could use a little extra cheer.
Whether it is Champion School students helping fill holiday hampers in Vulcan, or students from the Calgary Christian School Elementary Campus making cards for the homeless, they are making spirits bright in the larger community.
Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale is taking part in its third annual Hampers of Hope campaign.
The school’s “We Create Change” and student council groups joined forces to take on a local challenge to “Give Where You Live” this Christmas. They teamed up with the goal of sponsoring four families this Christmas season, collecting food, money and gently- used clothing, toys, movies and books.
At Coalhurst Elementary School students and staff were building a wall of food. The food drive was on behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which will distribute the food to families in need in their community.
Students at Milo Community School recently volunteered their time in High River with the Salvation Army. They helped out at the food bank and thrift store and also manned the Christmas kettles at a nearby grocery store.
It was the first of four volunteer service days for junior high students this year, with others planned for February, April and June. The school is looking at several options in the communities of Vulcan and Siksika in that regard.
R.I. Baker Middle School in Coaldale raised money – and toilet paper – for the local food bank. In an event organized by the Student Leadership Community, cash or toilet paper donations were rewarded with a token for a picture taken with Santa, with Principal Jason Prebushewski acting as his stand-in.
Palliser Central Office staff also pitched in with its annual Adopt-a-Family campaign.
Principals across the region identified families in their schools that might be in need of some extra holiday cheer and central office staff donations allowed for a gift for each family member and grocery cards.
Following are some images of those efforts.
Palliser helps the Community Photos
