LAKEPORT — Terrace Middle School students in the Gifted and Talented Education program and their families handed out wrapped stuffed animals to residents Wednesday at the Evergreen Lakeport Healthcare Center.
Some residents kissed the children, some left their gifts wrapped on the table and some dropped their jaws in shock and appreciation.
Dee Short immediately pulled the Himalayan cat stuffed animal out of the box and squeezed it to her chest. She said the last stuffed animal she received as a gift was a koala from her late husband.
“He”s so pretty,” Short said of the stuffed animal.
About 15 G.A.T.E. middle school students wrapped 66 Webkinz stuffed animals that middle school student Rachel Kelley had collected. The group got wrapping paper from Hallmark and shoeboxes from Campos Casuals, said Rachel”s mom, Julie Kelley.
Julie Kelley said the students wanted to raise money for their program but decided to give back to the community before fundraising.
Sue Owen, activities director at the center, coordinates the Christmas event every year. She tries to provide three presents for each of the 65 residents, she said. Owen said she thought the residents would enjoy the stuffed animals.
Terrace G.A.T.E. coordinator Cat Dunn said she thinks giving gifts and volunteering to wrap presents will help the students develop leadership skills and become more involved with the community.
“They think it”s really cool doing something to support seniors in our area,” Dunn said.
Suzin McGuire brought her children to the health care center to take part in giving rather than receiving.
“My preference is to see them give more and be with those that don”t have the opportunity to get out and see others,” McGuire said.
Contact Katy Sweeny at ksweeny@record-bee.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
