Published: November 15, 2006 09:44 am      

Students enjoy doing good for others

Class promotes citizenship

HOOPESTON — They say they don’t want to brag, but some special fourth-graders in Hoopeston deserve recognition for their service to their school and community.

Janet Crouch’s class at Honeywell Elementary School does a number of things to better Honeywell, and the values they learn doing community service spill over into their home lives.

The students are in charge of the school store, which sells school supplies for under $1. Honeywell kids buy pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens, erasers, crayons, markers, notebooks and colorful bracelets at the store. The store is open for 15 minutes a few times a week.

Crouch said she got the idea for the store about six years ago, when she noticed students were running out of supplies. The store also helps children learn about community service because proceeds go toward items needed by the entire school.

“The kids really caught on,” she said.

Proceeds from the store recently allowed the fourth grade to purchase a wireless microphone for the school.

“We’re not bragging or anything, but we’re a special class,” admitted Trevor Hurt.

The class also is in charge of the Christmas shop, which sells items such as coffee mugs, small tools, candleholders and other decorations that cost no more than $2.50 per item.

“A lot of the things we do benefit the whole school,” Abrianna Peterson said. “A lot of students don’t have a lot of money (to buy things).”

Peterson said children can use their pocket change to purchase small items and still have the presents be a surprise for Christmas.

“We’re kind of like Santa’s little helpers,” chimed in Takoda Hollis.

Madeline Brown said she’s finished with just about all her Christmas shopping. She’s bought gifts for everyone in her family — including grandparents and cousins.

“I think the Christmas store really helps people. It’s not that expensive,” Faith Pruitt added.

Some items cost several dollars less than they do at Wal-Mart, the kids say, such as coffee mugs that sell for $1. At other stores, they would cost $5 to $6.

The students say they enjoy doing good deeds for other people. They say the values they develop now will serve them for life.

“If we care now at this age, we’ll do it when we’re older,” Hurt said.

The Christmas store proceeds also serve the community by helping pay for Christmas baskets for the needy in Hoopeston.

Kelly Walder said she feels good when their hard work at the store pays off.

But the students say they’re good citizens at home, too.

Bryce Leigh said being a good citizen involves helping around the community through service activities — like picking up trash.

It’s nice to help people, but a little goodwill goes a long way, Reilly Neathery said.

“If you need help (sometime), they’ll help you,” she said.

George Clarkston helps his uncle by raking leaves at his house.

Walder helps her grandmother with raking leaves and baking when she visits.

The children said the best reward is knowing they’re doing something to help others — even when they don’t get anything in return.

Chip Holmes said it is nice to get a reward sometimes, but that’s not why he wants to help.

“Being a good citizen means doing good things for somebody,” he said.