Letter: Udall School Hosting Holiday Fundraisers

Being a part of Udall Road Middle School will always remain close to our hearts, but working with our students has given us memories that we will treasure forever. As advisors for Student Council, we are privileged to work side by side with the best kids this town has to offer.

We have accomplished many things this year. Most recently, we just completed our Annual Food Drive. This required our student members to arrive early and collect food daily for two weeks, organize hundreds of food items during their lunch periods, and pack 27 boxes of food complete with turkeys, biscuits, stuffing and pies.

To watch this unfold was fantastic, but to hear the comments of our children, as they created an assembly line of food, is what makes these memories so unique. We all felt a tremendous feeling of achievement, knowing we were helping our own Udall families.

Another challenge Student Council takes on is Adopt a Family. Annually, we take on the task of spreading holiday cheer to those Udall families in need, and this year proves to be our most challenging yet. We have been informed that many families are in serious need of our help.  In the past, our faculty and staff have funded this worthy cause and the Student Council officers shop to find the perfect gifts for each child they are assigned. They use coupons and discounts to figure out how to get the most for their money. To see this in action is truly an unforgettable experience. The requests for this year are for food, pajamas, sneakers, and sweaters. Toys haven’t made the list this year. The number of families needing this support has increased from last year.

Together, we have come up with the idea of a Giving Tree, which will stand in the lobby of our school. The students have decided on the symbol of the dove, to represent “Peace for the Holidays”, which is our wish for all of our Udall families. Our students will be accepting donations starting at the Parent Teacher Conferences. For every donation of $5.00 or more, your family name written on a dove, will be placed on our Giving Tree. Please stop by and meet our members and let them share their memories of “giving” with you. All donations will be accepted until Friday, December 16, 2011. Thank you for your support and we wish you contentment, joy and peace this holiday and always.

Warmly,

Dina Barone, Student Council Advisor                                                            Pamela Diorio, Student Council Advisor