Students collecting gifts

I want to introduce you today to some incredible young people!  They are pulling on their Santa hats this holiday season, to help those in need in our community.  I'm talking about the students at St. Pius X Catholic School in Mobile.  They are working very hard to make sure this Christmas is a good one for some special children.

They have been busy collecting gifts.  Everything from sports equipment to books to dolls and games.  You name it, the kids here are bringing it in - to give away.  But, they're not just collecting toys, they are also collecting art supplies and Christmas cards.  Students here say helping others is what the holiday season is all about. 

"It makes me feel better because I know I've had happy Christmases.  And, I  want them to be able to experience that, too," explained St. Pius X eighth grader Madeline Muscat.

Eighth grader Zach Chiepalich agrees, saying "I think it shows that we love our community and we care for them." 

And, eighth grader Jennah Rodrigo sums it up:  "it's really good to help out." 

Madeline, Zach and Jennah are all members of the student government at St. Pius X.  And, they are working really hard on all of this.

The students and staff at St. Pius X have teamed up with us the past few years, helping and giving back.  Organizers say it's a hands-on way to teach what it means to help others. 

"It's a great thing to do, especially during Advent.  We are a Catholic school, so we celebrate Advent.  And, I just think it's a great life-lesson for the kids to help out other people.  You know, sometimes we're in need and we have to take help from other people.  And, sometimes we can give help.  I just think it's a fabulous life lesson," explains St. Pius X Media Specialist Diane Roberts.

This is all part of Volunteers of America's 10 Caring Gifts program.  And you can do what these St. Pius X kids are doing.  You can get involved and give back this holiday season.

Click here for a whole list of ideas and ways you can help others.  Everything from trading in your used coats, to collecting spare change, to donating food.  And, if you would like to do what the St. Pius X kids are doing and give toys, you still have a couple days to do that!  You can drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any Trax Tires location .  We will make sure those toys get delivered to a special child in time for Christmas.

We are going to be working with the Volunteers of America throughout the holidays.  And, we'll continue to show you what a difference one person,   one group and one good deed can make.