By DEANNA WULFF
The students at Saint Martin's School donated the clothes off their backs this December to local charities.
"They were giving everything, even their own coats," said Donna Wojtkowski, a fourth-grade teacher at the Sunnyvale school. "They really enjoyed giving. We are really proud of the kids."
From Dec. 1 to 13, the 250 students at Saint Martin's participated in their first holiday Novena (nine days of prayer), which lasted nine school days. On each of those days, the schoolchildren prayed in the early morning, lit candles and then donated a special item to a charity.
"We wanted the children to learn the true meaning of Christmas," said Rosemary Griggs, St. Martin's principal. "They are learning to give, rather than just get. Peace has to begin with us."
Each day followed a particular theme and benefitted a local charity. On Dec. 1, children brought books for the daily newspaper's book drive. On Dec. 4 and 5, they brought mittens and jackets for the Homeless Care Force. On Dec. 6 and 7, they brought toys for local children. On Dec. 8 and 11, they brought personal toiletries and socks for Idylwood Convalescent Home. On Dec. 12, they brought sheets and blankets for the homeless. On the last day, Dec. 13, they brought pet products for the Santa Clara County Wild Life Refuge.
"My children brought things every day," said Mary Strom, a parent and school volunteer. "They realized that Christmas is a time for sharing and that we are very fortunate."
Following the nine days of giving, the children celebrated Christmas with parties and plays. Each class performed during an evening program on Dec. 14 and enjoyed Christmas parties with candy, cookies and punch on Dec. 15, O'Bannion said.
Griggs said the school, which has students in preschool through eighth grade, will probably hold a similar event next year because it was so successful.
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun Wednesday, December 27, 1995.
©1995 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.