Ignacio High School Future Farmers of America members descended on WalMart on Dec. 10 to buy presents for some needy local kids. They wrapped presents on Dec. 12.
FFA sponsor Brandon Hatter said, "We're working with the (school) district social worker and the schools to get (presents) out to these families."
Hatter told the school board on Dec. 11, "For the past five years, my students have given their own money to purchase gifts for students in need. Our goal has been to help at least one student in each school. But with donations from some parents and other adults, we were able to do more."
He continued, "We spent nearly $1,500 at WalMart yesterday and will impact almost 25 students."
Hatter told the Times, "They raised money through various activities for trips, activities. They voted as a chapter to spend some of the money to give back to the community for kids in need. Several (FFA) family members donated as well, so we could have more families."
He continued, "Initially they voted to spend $400 to help four kids. They spent around $1,300 at Wal Mart. We probably had five cart-loads of stuff when we checked out. Normally we buy gifts for specific kids, but we also had some families with more than one kid. Knowing the families, we gave them a gift card. We want to make sure they get the things they need and some things they want."
Two families got the gift cards, Hatter said. Eleven kids were to get gifts. On Monday this week, FFA members were set to cut and deliver firewood to one family.
"Collectively, we supported 25 students in our district," Hatter said. "Families were nominated by school employees. Normally I work with the counselors and principals. This year I sent e-mails to all employees to nominate families. I talk to the families that are nominated (to see if they want to participate), and we check to make sure they aren't double-dipping," getting gifts from another entity as well.
