CCS students show what love of neighbor means

As a person ages, it’s said that not much impresses them anymore. Supposedly, we’ve seen it all. However, I beg to differ after what I witnessed Tuesday night with our 5th grade students and teachers at Chase County Schools.
    I was headed to the gym to take photos at the varsity basketball games. As I entered, there were all these tables full of gift baskets, Valentine-themed baked goods and more. I had been contacted earlier about this fundraiser, and had made a mental note to check it out as I covered the games.
    But when I heard the back story on how it all came to be, I thought to myself, “Wow, these students and their teachers are really showing what love of neighbor means.”
    And right before Valentine’s Day, too.
    Fifth grade teacher Darcie Boman said students began talking about how fortunate they felt after learning about the Colorado families and students their age who lost homes and all their belongs in the Dec. 30 fire. The communities of Superior and Louisville, Colorado aren’t far from Imperial.
    Initially, they talked about donating the school’s unclaimed lost and found articles, which led to maybe sending books, coats and hats. In the end, they decided on Tuesday’s raffle, which included 45 gift baskets and packaged treats, each gathered and put together with the help of parents, businesses and others.
    A lot of people went home with smiles after winning a raffle item Tuesday night. Just imagine how many smiles residents of those Colorado towns will have when they receive items purchased with the more than $2,000 raised!
    Hats off to CCS teachers like Darcie Boman and Abigail Almanza who are instilling the importance of giving to others and being thankful for what we have. That example is certainly mirrored at home as parents of these 5th graders also helped their children in the effort.
    I have been down a bit in recent years with what I’ve seen in the younger generation’s absence from our service organizations and volunteer opportunities. However, this project helping our neighbors in Colorado now has me more hopeful.
    We all need to improve on our willingness to serve others and be a ready volunteer in our communities—whether it is volunteering at the theatre, giving time at the pantry, serving on one of your church boards or joining service-minded organizations like the Lions and Rotary Clubs. And, what about running for local office? Filing deadlines are near.
    Just look to our 5th graders for some inspiration.