Published: December 22, 2007 08:41 pm         

Kids keep animals in mind at Christmas

Students trade toys for shelter supplies

VEEDERSBURG, IND. — Some Southeast Fountain Elementary School students in Veedersburg, Ind., gave up the traditional gift exchange to help animals at a nearby shelter.

Some first- and second-grade students voted to help animals at a private animal shelter near Alamo, Ind.

Pam Glascock, a first-grade teacher, started the program three years ago, and several classes have followed the practice.

“My class is always thrilled, and the animals do benefit,” said Debbie Biddle, a second-grade teacher.

And the Christmas trees in several of the classrooms have treats for the animals underneath it.

“It is nice to help the animals,” said Hunter Keeling, 8, a first-grade student.

Brooke Crane, 6, another first grader, who has a cat and a dog at home, said it was neat to help the animals.

“It is pretty cool to help the shelter because they might not have a lot of food for them,” said Jordan Risner, 8, a second-grade student who brought cat food. “I am really happy to do this.”

Brooke Nine, 7, another second-grade student, agreed.

“I brought dog food to help them take care of the animals,” she said.

Biddle said it is neat to see the kids participate. She said it is much better than having the students exchanging gifts because someone always gets upset.

“They realize that animals are special and they need help,” she said. “This way the students feel they are helping.”

Biddle said the tree in her classroom had some pretty big bags under it.

“The kids are learning that giving is better than getting,” she said.