Pupils Make the Grade in Holiday Generosity

On the last day of school before the holiday break, Santiago Elementary School Principal Nancy Blade had one last Christmas delivery for plant foreman Tom Coleman to make.

“It would be cool if you get it there before her son gets [home]. He won’t be there until 2:30 p.m.,” she said, conspiring with Coleman as he studied a street map before packing his trunk with a motocross bicycle and helmet.

It was part of the many deliveries of toys and gifts for 11 anonymous needy families whose children attend schools in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.

During the last 12 days of school, most of the 588 students turned their piggy banks upside down and collected $1,511.37 in coins and currency to help the families of fellow students have a brighter holiday season.

Parent Ellen Gadbois came up with the idea. She wanted children to learn the importance of giving. And what started with donations of children’s pocket change turned into offers of help from parents, businesses and others.

First-grader Amber Ford, 6, brought in her piggy bank filled with coins and three $1 bills she had saved since her birthday in April.

Mervyn’s donated a $100 gift certificate, and Toys for Tots gave toys worth about $700, including two bicycles. Supermarkets offered donations or discounts.

The event was a success, said Gadbois, who spent about eight hours at a bank counting the coins.

“It taught children what the holidays and the spirit of giving [are] all about,” she said.

Coleman, 49, a father of two grown children, was chosen to help deliver the goods.

“It was a real experience,” Coleman said with a sigh, recalling visiting one needy family. “They didn’t have anything. No toys. No tree. No lights. No food.”

The project had a similar impact on others who participated.

Said Gadbois’ 6-year-old son, Jay: “We are doing it next year too.”