On Friday, red bags took over the hallways at St. Ann Catholic School in Prairie Village, Kansas.
A total of 166 red bags were filled with gifts for children in the foster care system.
“Christmas is one of my favorite holidays like many, and it just feels amazing to give to others and just the gut feeling that you’re doing something amazing,” St. Ann 8th-grader Savannah Bittner said.
“These are probably the only gifts that they might be receiving this year so it’s just a good thing to do and to help,” St. Ann 8th-grader Matia Ianni said.
St. Ann families and students like Matia and Savannah have spent several weeks wrapping gifts and getting the bags ready for the holidays.
“It’s a great opportunity to help,” Matia said.
Students receive the name and wish list of a child in the foster care system.
The red bags are filled with items from toiletries to clothing and toys.
“This time of year, Christmas can be hard for people, holidays can be hard for people,” St. Ann Principal Michael Riley said. “But we’re coming together as a St. Ann Catholic community and that’s what it’s all about.”
The Red Bags program has been going on for the past 30 years, helping families in need.
“It’s really a great program and it really helps everyone,” Savannah said. “Even though it may seem like the littlest thing, which means everything to some people.”
8th-graders loaded the bags onto a truck Friday afternoon. The bags will later be distributed to families and children in the foster care system.
------
Rae Daniel can be reached at Rae.Daniel@KSHB.com.
