Saint John the Baptist students learn the gift of giving

Photo courtesy of Saint John the Baptist

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Students from The Saint John the Baptist Middle School collected items to donate to the Christmas Box House project.

DRAPER - Together the students of Saint John the Baptist Middle School decided that this Christmas they would help the children in the Christmas Box Houses.

The students just had one condition: All the items they gave should be new, and so each home base, as the classrooms are known, selected different items to donate to the project. Carrie Kafentzi's home base was in charge of bringing hats, gloves and hand warmers.

Erin Beck's class donated baking supplies such as cookie cutters, sprinkles, mixes and spatulas.

Angela Algarin's home base gave spring playground toys like Frisbees, jump ropes and jacks.

Alex Cooper's students brought non-refrigerated snacks, including puddings, granola bars and juice boxes.

Sara Leonard's class was in charge of bringing craft supplies like pom poms, feathers and google eyes.

And Maria Moyhihan's home base gave "sun stuff" (sunscreen, goggles, zinc, chap stick, flip flops, nose plugs). Teaching her class, which has 21 students, the gift of giving is important, she said, because "it is what Jesus did... We need to learn to look outside of ourselves."

Moyhihan also emphasized the great job that the students have been doing things for the collection. "They are very enthusiastic, we are so blessed here and we have the opportunity to give," she said.

In a similar sentiment, Beck said that the importance of teaching the gift of giving to her students relay in the fact that it allows them to help the people in need. "I think it is important to teach them the importance of giving because it's a great opportunity for the kids to really know how to give to those who are less fortunate," said Beck.

The mission of the Christmas Box House is inspired by the spirit and message of the "Christmas Box," a book that emphasizes the beauty and importance of love for children. The Christmas Box International partners with local and international cities and groups to prevent child abuse and to improve the quality of life for children who have been abused or neglected.

The Christmas Box Houses' friendly environment are unique. Children are brought into the shelter program after being removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Instead of spending the night in less comfortable circumstances, they are able to arrive at the House were the staff is immediately available to talk to children and explain what is happening, what will happen, and why.

There are three Christmas Box Houses in Utah -- in the cities of Salt Lake City, Ogden and Moab. The Houses all have the basic concept of a child-friendly, calm, home-like atmosphere and have added programs and services to meet the unique needs of the children in the communities they serve.