The Philanthropic Nature of Glenholme’s Students

At year’s end, people tend to respond to the call of sharing their bounty, however large or small, to others less fortunate. The students at Glenholme participate in an active Community Service program throughout the year. Giving to others in various forms is the norm here. The holiday season brings an assortment of fresh ideas that can bring simple joy to strangers.

Remembering the service men and women who are away from home and families, students asked the Glenholme community to bring in items that could aid the troops in their day-to-day self-care: simple toiletries or a deck of cards. These items remind us of the uncomplicated automatic walk through a drug store aisle as something a soldier might long to do, yet can’t in a desert country so far from home.

There is a cat named Figero at the Humane Society that will wait safely for adoption due to students who offered their token earnings to take on the kitty’s care until that time. Animal treats (and some for humans, too) will be sold at a bake sale in January. The proceeds will go to the animal shelter.

Washington’s Gunn Memorial Library hosts a gift sale for the town’s children. Glenholme students were there to help youngsters choose and purchase items, then wrap the presents so moms and dads, sisters and brothers can have a little surprise under the tree.

Connecticut’s capitol is home to the Children’s Medical Center. Too many children spend their holiday in hospital beds. The students in our Spanish class created short story books in this language they are learning to give to the kids too sick to be home. A small gesture gladly accepted.

Make a tiny gesture and receive a simple joy; give a gift of self and receive a greater sense of self in return. It’s all part of forming the whole child at Glenholme.