The early holiday celebration left the Middletown students, most of whom come from low-income families, beaming with joy.
“Not all of our students get the chance to have a traditional Christmas like they see on TV or in the movies,” said Rosa Parks Elementary Assistant Principal Tracy Neeley.
“So our hearts are overflowing that Fenwick is supporting us by providing this amazing opportunity and blessing they are for our students today. I hope they (Fenwick students) realize what a positive impact they are making on our families.”
After being asked to collect 569 gifts, the students blew past that goal by bringing in more than 750 presents. The remaining gifts will be allocated to the Middletown Dream Center’s Homeless Present Drive for Children at the Middletown YMCA.
Fenwick’s partnership for the joint Christmas celebrations with a rotation of Middletown schools is now into its second year.
The Catholic Fenwick school is located on the eastern border of Middletown just inside the Warren County line. Established in 1952, the school has a long history of community service in both Butler and Warren county communities.
“We are always seeking opportunities to help our neighbors in need,” said Bishop Fenwick Principal Blane Collison.
“Our connection with the Middletown community is still very prominent in many of our programs and service projects, so this is the perfect opportunity to stick to our roots and make the holidays better for the people in our community,” said Collison.
Fenwick asked each of its grade levels to buy gifts targeted to one of the kindergarten-through-fifth grades in the elementary school. Fenwick girls were instructed to buy for the young girls, while the boys were instructed to purchase for the Rosa Parks boys.
“Many of our students have never been in a position to not receive presents at Christmas, so this project has been very eye opening for them,” said Fenwick Student Council Coordinator Tammy Longworth.
Fenwick students lingered, interacted and played with the Rosa Parks students as part of the celebration.
“I believe that there is a lot both groups can learn from each other,” said Longworth.
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