PECI students making Christmas merry for County children in need

Venture program students Colleen Ball, Elise ens, Chloe MacDonald and Monica Lindsey are in the final week of working to make Christmas merry for County children in need. – Roanna Kitchen photo

By Roanna Kitchen

Prince Edward Collegiate Institute students are working to make a merry Christmas for County families – one child at a time.

Their mission is to gather donations that allow children of families in need to enjoy traditions and experiences the holidays bring.

Teacher Greer Koutroulides co-ordinates the giving, integrated within the school’s Venture program which is designed to create young leaders and get them involved in the community.

This year, the Venture history class has organized the event, and all the school’s home room classes are participating by selecting a child to support.

The campaign is in high gear for completion by Wednesday, Dec. 16th giving the Grade 10 class time to prepare and deliver the gifts to the Angel office located at Benson Hall in Picton.

“Some students are also doing this on their own time,” Koutroulides said.

Families in need of assistance have provided descriptions for the “Angels” on the Christmas tree at the hall, including age, gender, sizes, and interests.

Under the guidance of chief angel Susan Rose, donations from organizations, businesses, groups, and members of the community will assist approximately 300 children in the County this year.

Koutroulides noted that last year, teacher Steve Mee’s class was able to raise
enough money to buy a bicycle for their child.

“The parent later wrote into the Angel Office explaining his gratitude and thanks as he was extremely touched by the students’ actions.”

Venture students agree.

“It just really makes you realize Christmas isn’t about the getting, but the giving,” said Ruby Gaudette.

“It evolves around the concept of the pride of giving,” said Chase Lavender.

“It connects us to our community,” said Cole St. Pierre.