WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsClass of the Week 12/11: Mosinee Elementary School

Class of the Week 12/11: Mosinee Elementary School

by Natalie Sparacio

MOSINEE (WAOW)-- This holiday season students at Mosinee Elementary School decided to forgo exchanging gifts, and donated to a food pantry instead.

They collected food socks for the less fortunate,  and that's why they're this week's Class of the Week.

Crystal Zastrow, the teacher who came up with the project, says, "... I just kept thinking about how we have our children do gift exchanges in our classrooms and they bring us a gift, and I thought you know in this economy today there's a much bigger project they could probably be doing then giving each other a gift or us a gift."

That idea lead to the Mosinee Miracle Tree, a symbol of true holiday spirit.

The ornaments on the tree are stockings with the name and faces of all 600 children who collected food and socks for the Community Center of Hope.

Each week during the month of December, the school's 'Wednesday Walkers' proudly carry over their generous donations.

Ava, a 3rd grader says, "... to me this is very very special because without this Christmas they might never have a Christmas... so were donating foods and lots of other stuff."

These donations are needed, right now the food pantry serves over 160 families and 400 individuals. Employees tell us demand is up 100% from a year ago.

So the students efforts are greatly appreciated.

MLe Verkest, the Executive Assistant at the Community Center of Hope says, "... think it's absolutely amazing they're getting these qualities and values to be able to grow up with them.. and really learn what it is to give back to the community that they're part of."

Maggie, a 3rd grader, says, "... I think its fun because helping out little kids I feel much better because I'm happy to know that they're actually getting stuff, instead of us... I like giving things."

Carley, who's also a 3rd grader, says, "... it's like really exciting and I like helping people that's why I feel so excited.

The students at Mosinee Elementary unselfishly thought of others and truly grasp the true reason for the season.

Zastrow says, "... I think they've taken away that it's better to give than receive. I talk to my kindergartners about how there are some kids out there who aren't going to get something for Christmas... but now, they will have warm socks and a can of food.... and they will have something to eat and something on their feet when it's snowy out.. and they were all excited

Their dedication and enthusiasm about helping to make sure everyone has a happy holiday.. makes them this week's Class of the Week!

The students and faculty plan to collect donations through December 23rd... along with the Community Center of Hope they plan to distribute the food and socks to the Salvation Army and Women's Community Shelter as well.

If you'd like to nominate students who go above and beyond, whether it's in the classroom or out in the community, email us at news@waow.com.

Winners are announced every Friday at 6:30 a.m. on Wake Up Wisconsin.

Online Reporter: Natalie Sparacio