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Fourth-graders reach out to less fortunate

Photo by Chyna Broadnax

By Chyna Broadnax | Statesville R&L

Published: October 9, 2009

American Renaissance Charter School students could barely see above the lunch counter as they handed out lunches at Fifth Street Ministries.

The fourth-graders balanced themselves on their tippy toes to catch a glimpse of residents picking up the lunches they made for them.

The students collected food donations and packed 100 brown-bag lunches of ham, turkey and cheese sandwiches, apples, chips and water before serving them during during lunchtime at Fifth Street.

Brittney Griffin, 9, said she was excited about the opportunity to visit the shelter.

"I'm glad our school is helping people who are homeless and hungry," she said.

Students had the opportunity to be part of the field trip through their enrichment class, which allows them to give back to the community.

Christofer Gonzaga, 9, said he was glad his class had a chance to help.

"This is really a great field trip and (it's) great to help out people less fortunate than you," he said. "We're grateful for the opportunity to come here to Fifth Street."

Enrichment teacher Jessica Duncan said she took her kids to the shelter because she wants them to see what assistance opportunities their community has to offer.

"I want them to learn how there's people in the community who need their help," she said.

Duncan hopes that through their community service projects, the students' enthusiasm for giving is set at an early age, increasing the odds they'll continue giving as adults.

"We're hoping to plant a seed in them so they can continue in the future," she said.

This is the students' first community project for the school year. Upcoming projects include cleaning streets and parks and recycling.

Not many of the kids knew much about the shelter, but were ecstatic to help out and provide lunch, which gave Fifth Street cook Mary Summers a break for the day.

Sophie Pippin, 9, said she feels good because she's helping others "who don't have much."