St. Andrew students aid The Christmas Box House

Photo courtesy of Saint Andrew Catholic School

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RIVERTON — The Christmas Box International has three homes in Utah. Their mission is "to partner with local and international communities and groups to prevent child abuse and improve the quality of life for children who have been abused or neglected." In November, students from the 3rd and 6th grades at Saint Andrew Catholic School had the opportunity to be one of those partners.

The students raised money and collected contributions to buy large quantities of fleece material. Teachers Mary Gist and Amy Ferre, instructed the students on making fleece knotted blankets. Using their newly acquired skills, the students made over 30 blankets that will be hand-picked by a child at the Christmas Box House.

Lisa McDonald, a representative from the Salt Lake City house, came to speak with the students and collect the blankets. The Christmas Box House provides temporary shelter to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. When they arrive at The Christmas Box House they are scared, many times not having any possessions from their family home. One of the ways to help the children feel happy while they stay at the home is to allow them to pick out a blanket upon arrival. They also are able to take the blankets with them when they leave.

"The blankets help to make them feel safe and secure," McDonald told the St. Andrew students. "They really matter to those kids."

McDonald also expressed her gratitude to the students, saying The Christmas Box House "can help the kids who come to us because of kids like you who help us out. Just know that you are making a difference."

Many students left the assembly further inspired to help kids at the Christmas Box House.