Caroline students and staff found a variety of ways to give back, share kindness and provide support to their communities throughout the 2023 holiday season. Whether it was participating in parades, collecting much needed items, or putting their voices to good use, they gave generously to the communities that support their schools so well.
Warm coats, socks, hats and gloves were collected and donated by Ridgely Elementary, the National Junior Honor Society at Colonel Richardson Middle, and the Lockerman Middle Kindness and Wellness Club. Colonel Richardson Middle School Student Government Association also conducted a toy drive, and Ridgely Elementary participated in Shop with a Cop.
Preston Elementary partnered with the Idlewild Ruritan Club for a food drive. His Hope Ministries benefitted from a food drive conducted by Caroline Career and Technology Center’s Student Government Association. North Caroline High’s Leo Club collected over $2,000 worth of items and money to donate to the Ridgely Food Pantry. Walking with Faith Thrift Store in Federalsburg was the recipient of 15 boxes of goods donated by the National Junior Honor Society at Colonel Richardson High School, who also conducted a food drive.
Ridgely students decorated trees to donate to the Ridgely Gingerbread House, and several student clubs at North Caroline High did the same for Festival of Trees for Hospice. North Caroline High art students painted ceramic bowls to be used in a fundraiser for Food for Learning.
Holiday cheer was also shared by North Caroline’s Rhythm of the Ridge Chorus who performed for residents at Peak Healthcare. Greensboro Elementary and Denton Elementary both conducted caroling events for their communities. Communities also enjoyed seeing students and staff in town holiday parades, with Caroline Career and Technology Center’s Future Farmers of America float, North Caroline’s marching band, and Federalsburg Elementary’s float which was awarded first prize.
CRMS also created a Holiday Store where students could buy gifts for their families using earned incentive ‘money’. The CRMS staff, along with the Town of Federalsburg, Walking With Faith Thrift Store Walking With Faith Thrift Store and Frugalicious Walking With Faith Thrift Store and Frugalicious and Frugalicious Consignment Boutique, donated items for the store.
The CCPS office also joined in the spirit of giving by having an Angel Tree stocked with the wishes of families in need. By the delivery date, the superintendent’s office was crowded with bikes, toys, and warm winter clothing.
“We live in communities that unfailingly support our schools, so students and staff welcome the opportunity to give back,” Superintendent Derek Simmons said. “Students, staff and volunteers give of their own time and treasure with great joy and a sense of belonging. It is a pleasure to see it all come together not during the holiday season but all throughout the year.”