16 |FEATURES
Holiday Bear Project inspires students to give back Hannah Ratcliffe ’22 Web Arts Editor
s the holiday season rolls around each year, gift buying becomes the center of everyone’s thoughts as they flee to the nearest mall to check items off their family’s wishlists. However, the holidays look very different for those who are less fortunate and cannot afford such luxuries, which is why Staples has come together to give underprivileged children the festive season they deserve. The Holiday Bear Project originated as a growing initiative by the Connecticut Education Association (CEF) in 1999. The teachers union nominates and sponsors students in need across the state who may not get the typical holiday experience. Then, students and teachers from different school districts come together to buy, wrap and distribute thoughtful gifts. “We have been able to provide over 500 students across the state gifts for the holidays,” CEF President Joslyn DeLancey said. “In years past, we’ve had to use funds to make sure that students received gifts, but this year, we’ve had a huge showing of support from teachers and community members.” The Holiday Bear Project has been a prevalent class activity this year at Staples due to math teacher Stacey Delmhorst. After seeing the positive effect it had on her own family, she wanted to help implement it at Staples as well. In terms of gifts, it is important that the sponsored children receive necessities like socks, blankets and personal hygiene items, plus “want”-oriented presents that
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are catered to specific interests. good charitable human beings.” “I thought to myself how This project gives students powerful it would be if we came who may not have to worry together as a class to fulfill the about receiving presents around wish list,” Delmhorst said. “I the holidays a way to think of knew that if I started doing this those who are not as fortunate, with my and make a classes we difference in could all someone’s work tolife, despite gether as not knowing a group.” the outcome. Delm“I don’t horst spread think it’s rethe word ally so much of this projabout stuect to her dents getting colleagues, anything out -Isabelle Ricks ’22 of it,” Jaime and soon enough, Paul ’23 said multiple different class- while helping out in her AP Eues and Connections groups ropean History class. “It’s just were participating in The about doing the right thing.” Holiday Bear Project. CEF only expects for the “It’s nice for the school to project to grow as more schools come together to give back to people who may not be as fortunate as us because we come from a very wealthy, well-off community,” Isabelle Ricks ’22 said after buying and wrapping gifts during Connections. “Doing stuff like this is really generous, but also very needed in this world.” GIFT BAGS Connections The need for acts of gener- classes participate in the osity without any expectations Holiday Bear Project to of it being reciprocated is em- spread positivity during phasized with the Holiday Bear the holiday season. Project, as students do not get any reaction or contact back from the child’s family after their gifts have been donated. There is no incentive other than knowing you have made a difference in a less privileged child’s life. “There’s no better way to show kindness with sincerity than to donate items to another child for Christmas, but getting nothing out of it,” Delmhorst said. “In my classroom, you do not get extra points for doing this, you do not get extra credit. We simply do this to be
“It’s nice for the school to come together to give back to people who may not be as fortunate as us.”
get involved. While it may seem like a small present, it can make an immense difference in a child’s life around the holidays. “The Holiday Bear Project would o n l y be successful with students and teachers committing to making sure that others in need are taken care of,” Delancey said. “So we truly appreciate the support of all of the students and teachers at Staples who got involved and were excited to give during the holiday season.”
Graphics by Lily Klau ’23 Photo by Jason Stein ’22
Scan this QR code to learn more about or donate to the Holiday Bear Project
