Denair fifth-graders reach out to the needy

DENAIR -- Sarah Griebel, a fifth-grade teacher at Gratton Elementary School in Denair, read The Bee’s story about Turlock High School students donating their spare change to local charities. And she pointed out that children don’t have to be in high school to help the less fortunate.

Griebel challenged her students to “Be the Change” by bringing in their spare change.

“My class of fabulous fifth-graders at Gratton School collected $168 to donate to the Hughson Christmas Basket Project,” she wrote in an email. The 17 fifth-graders got some help from friends in fourth grade and the school’s kindergarten class.

“I am so very proud of my students,” Griebel wrote. “Many of them gave up their own change in their piggy banks to donate to the needy families in our area.”

The students were very enthusiastic about the idea when Griebel explained that for many children, the only holiday gifts they get will come from local nonprofit groups.

“They definitely realize the need to give back to the community.”