December 2011

BEARFACTS

Ursuline Academy 341 South Sappington Rd St. Louis, MO 63122

12.14.11 Volume 7 Issue 4

Giving in December and Not January?

During this Christmas season we all have one thing on our minds, giving, right? We are expecting to receive, give and donate gifts. But what happens when the season is over and everyone forgets? Shouldn’t we remember to give all year round? Though we are not required to serve, we should still continue to give even in “off seasons.” When Mrs. Weston was asked why she thought people gave in December and not so much in January, she replied, “There is a greater awareness of need. Everyone is receiving and giving during the holidays.” So when people are out shopping for their loved ones, and they see a drive for someone who won’t get a gift, they will be more willing to buy one for someone else. Senior Alexis Eilers said, “People are more willing to help other people and not worry about themselves; it is more of a joyous time of year.” She’s right; Christmas is about sharing the birth of Jesus with those we love and even those who are strangers to us.

As young adults, we are not yet burdened with filing taxes, so Mrs. Weston brought up that at the start of the new year a selection of taxes will be due. This means that people are looking for charitable contributions to claim on taxes, which might in-

Tis the season—December is a busy time for giving, but by January people focus on their New Year’s resolutions. Art by Olivia Passafiume.

cline them to be a little more giving. That explains December giving, but what about January? Mrs. Weston said, “January is a new year, one that is focused on you and your resolutions.”

What is Ursuline doing in January?

Few have noticed, but there isn’t a canned food drive in January. There is, however, Splash Week, which includes several small service opportunities; last year money was earned for a scholarship so an Ursuline student could attend Ursuline Academy. One thing that Mrs. Weston stated adamantly was that all Ursuline girls have a clear understanding of philanthropy and community. Philanthropy is defined as just donating money or goods to an organization that does all the hands-on work for you. This is what TRUE service and giving is NOT about.

Community service is hands-on service.

Hands-on service is making a collection and then going to drop off the item to the people.

This is what true service should be about, giving to the community. So give this Christmas season, but do not forget to give in all the other 11 months as well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Olivia Passafiume Bear Facts Staff Writer

Trains, Tops and Trucks Toys for tots has brought joy to kids for over 70 years

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any people understand that Toys for Tots is an organization that donates unused toys to children who do not receive many – if any – presents during the Christmas season. How did it get started? Well in 1947, Major Bill Hendricks along with a group of marines in the reserve collected over 5000 toys for children in Los Angeles, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation reports.

According to the Foundation’s website, www.toysfortots.com, Bill’s wife Diane made a doll and told Bill to give it to a charity who would give it to needy children. When Bill found that there was no such agency, he started one. In 1948 the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots.

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Up until the 1980s, the Marine Corps Reserves collected and distributed new and used toys. However, since then, only new toys have been distributed. “In the 1970’s there was no time to refurbish used toys to make them respectable gifts for needy children,” said Toys for Tots.

The second factor was that health and sanitary issues surfaced. The last reason this changed was that the Marines did not want to send messages to the needy children when “hand me downs” were d i s t r i b u t e d .

Charlie Cummins, a Marine in the reserves, reported his experience. Since he joined the Marine Corps in 2009, Toys for Tots has been a big part of his Christmas Holiday. “We run toy drives and buy

toys at toy stores like Toys R Us with the donations that people give.” One of Cummins’ experiences was that he “got to be with the children, handing out individual toys to the little ones.” He felt great to know that the children he gave these toys to would have a present this Christmas.

He went on to say, “Once I joined the Marine Corps, Toys for Tots immediately became a big part of my life.”

So far, the Marine Corps Reserves have donated over 400 million toys to needy children nationwide. If you would like to help, you can go to www.toysfortots.org to find location drop-offs, or you can seek out a drop- off location yourself. Every little bit helps!

Ann Wolf Bear Facts Art Editor

UA Christmas Stockings Spreading Holiday Cheer

dents on following through with their commitment to this cause.” Students certainly followed through, collecting 775 stockings this year for Metro-Vision Ministries, the charity that sponsors this event.

Mrs. Lehnert’s advisement was able to put together a total of 80 stockings. When asked about their strategy, Sarah Basler, junior, said, t’s the season of giving. Every year “We all just bring in a bunch of stuff, Ursuline incorporates the motto then fill them later on. We get really of “Serviam” into the Christmas into it and have a lot of fun doing it.” season. We are all blessed with This enthusiasm has made the stocking project such a success. many things, and being able to spread joy to others is possibly the greatest gift Ursuline students and coworkers are welcome to help Pastor of all; Ursuline’s stocking project Tom and his wife hand out the stockdoes just this, bringing happiness to ings on Sunday, 12/18, at 5:30 p.m. at children and senior citizens.

Living Water Church and again on For about 14 years Ursuline Monday, 12/19, at 10:30 a.m. at Big has been collecting stockings for people Bend Woods Nursing home. The little in the community. Mrs. Weston expresent you give these children and plained, “This will be the only gift some senior citizens will mean more to of the children and senior citizens reStock Up—Students from the class of 2011 load them than many realize. ceive for Christmas. This is why we Maggie Eggleston place such an emphasis for the stu- the truck up with stockings. UA girls collected Bear Facts Staff Writer 775 stockings this year. Photo from Mrs. Weston.

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Presents for the Family Each year when Christmas sneaks up on busy students, there is a mad rush for buying last minute presents. Everyone wants to get presents for her family, but there usually isn’t the time or the energy to be creative. UA girls were asked what their go-to presents are for the different members of the family and for new present ideas.

For Mom: Everyone loves her mom and knows that she deserves the best.

However, not everyone can afford to spend much on their Christmas shopping.

Most girls will visit stores like Bath and Body Works to buy candles or lotion.

These are nice, but perhaps overused gifts. Get creative this Christmas! Any mom would love a knitted scarf from Fiber Arts class. Get personal with scrapbooks or framed photos. One student suggested buying a gift card to a pottery place. This creates prime mother-daughter bonding time.

For Dad: It is easy to buy for dads. Maybe the best most girls can do is a new tie. While that is a respectable present, here a few more ideas to keep in mind when buying for dad. Feed him! Bake cookies or prepare his favorite breakfast.

Books and movies are also popular dad items. As a last resort, golf balls are a good idea, but only if he plays golf!

For Sister: Many sisters know each other well enough to get each other personalized items, like movies or novels. Making a care package with multiple small items like nail polish and mix CDs would keep the cost low, but it makes a fabulous present.

For Brother: Brothers might be the hardest people to buy for. Most sisters are stuck getting them cheap video games or gift cards. Again, boys like to eat.

Bake him brownies or maybe just a gift card to his favorite restaurant.

Betsy Kennedy Bear Facts Staff Writer

Awkward Family Photo—Ryan, Betsy, Matt and Mary Kennedy gather together for a family photo, creating Christmas memories that will last forever. Photo by Tony Kennedy.

For the Whole Family Some people like to get all their Christmas shopping done with one big present. Colleen McGovern said, “Get them a puppy! Then everyone wins!” Another student is making “Food of the Month” subscriptions for her family members. These are a nice solutions for getting the Christmas shopping done in one stop (consult parents before purchasing any live creatures).

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Music Lover’s Top Picks From pop to jazz to alternative rock, we have got the hottest tracks from every music type. Do you usually listen to rap? Try our alternative pick. Leave your musical comfort zone and explore new genres, and you may even discover a new favorite song.

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ALTERNATIVE ROCK Track: Last Christmas Artist: Jimmy Eat World

SOFT Track: Magic of Christmas Day Artist: Celine Dion

HOLIDAY Track: Carol of the Bells Artist: Trans Siberian Orchestra

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HOLIDAY Track: Santa Claus is Coming to Town Artist: Bruce Springsteen

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POP Track: Mistletoe Artist: Justin Bieber

JAZZ Track: I’ll Be Home for Christmas Artist: Michael Buble

dECEMBER Best, Best Month EVER– Celebrity Giving Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are having the BEST MONTH EVER. Jolie travels around the world to do charity. She supports many international charities and wants people to be aware of how some people live in third world countries. Jolie and Pitt started the Jolie–Pitt Foundation in 2006 which helps eradicate extreme rural poverty. Pitt supports The Make It Right Foundation which helps finance and construct 150 new houses in New Orleans. www.looktothestars.com.

Matt Damon is having the BEST MONTH EVER. Damon is the founder of H2O Africa, Not On Our Watch and in 2009 created Water.org. He supports many charities that help children and international charities in third world countries. www.looktothestars.com

Art by Ann Wolf.

Taylor Swift is having the BEST MONTH EVER. Swift campaigns to protect children from online predators and supports charities that help children such as Children in Need, Shriners Hospitals for Children and Wish Upon A Hero Foundation. She does a lot of philanthropic work in her home state, Tennessee. www.looktothestars.com Mel Gibson is having the BEST MONTH EVER. Gibson gave $10 million to reimburse hospitals that cared for seriously ill children who could not get treatment due to the lack of resources or money. Gibson supports the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Declare Yourself, FARES, Healing the Children and Kidz Horizon Appeal. www. looktothestars.org Sarah Haenchen Bear Facts Online Editor