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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Carjacker killed in shootout with California police identified ... Public ticket sales for Craterian shows begin today ... 'Watchdog' helps recover rare kingsnake from Medford pet store ... Carjacker killed in shootout with California police identified ... Public ticket sales for Craterian shows begin today ... 'Watchdog' helps recover rare kingsnake from Medford pet store ... EDUCATION A lesson in giving Griffin Creek kids buy gifts for others in need Comment By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 10, 2014 at 6:07 PM By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 10, 2014 at 6:07 PM » Social News The tooth fairy gave $1 to sixth-grader Abby Long, who in turn gave it to her school to buy Christmas gifts for children living in adverse circumstances. This year, in lieu of a food drive, Griffin Creek Elementary decided to raise money to buy Christmas presents for children served by the Maslow Project, a local resource for homeless families and youths. The school asked every student to make a $1 donation to the cause. Some students brought in a handful of change. Others gave more, and collectively, the school raised about $397. “This is more fun than the canned food drive because you get to know that it’s going to someone like you,” said fourth-grader Rowan Lance. Every class at Griffin Creek selected an ornament from the school’s giving tree with the age of an anonymous boy or girl and what that child wanted for Christmas. On Wednesday, eight fourth- through sixth-grade students — all members of the school’s student council — went to Walmart to pick out gifts for 23 children. They had $20 to spent on each child. Abby and Rowan, together with first-grade teacher Margaret Moore, selected an Anna doll and Elsa princess crown for a kindergarten-age girl who’d asked for Disney “Frozen” toys. They also picked out an interactive elephant storybook and Donald Duck stuffed animal for a 10-month-old boy. Some kids had very practical wishes. “This boy,” said Moore, holding up the ornament of a 10-year-old boy, “he could have asked for anything he wanted, and he asked for a hat and gloves. I think he needs a toy, too.” So the girls and Moore picked out some large trucks to go with the winter wear — all within their $20 budget. After purchasing the gifts, the students returned to school to wrap them, and students in each class made a card for the child their class “adopted.” “It’s fun because I get to help someone rather than just buying myself presents,” Abby said. The Maslow Project obtains Christmas wish lists from high-needs children in the area only after a sponsor steps forward so they aren't disappointed if their wish isn't met, said Gina Patterson, a community outreach coordinator and family advocate. Last year, local sponsors made Christmas happen for about 200 kids, she added. To be a sponsor, contact Maslow Project at 541-608-6868 or email Colleen Aho at [email protected]. Reach education reporter Teresa Thomas at 541-776-4497 or [email protected] . Follow her at www.twitter.com/teresathomas_mt . By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Teresa Thomas Mail Tribune Posted Dec. 10, 2014 at 6:07 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501