With their Fill the Sleigh competition, Meadowlark Elementary School students contributed over 300 non-perishable food items for Angel Tree families. Because the fourth graders in Miss Shandel Fouts' class collected the most food, with 140 items, they will get a Sundae Party.

According to Fouts, the students conveyed excitement about the food drive. "I think it helped that the sleigh sat right inside the door, giving them a daily visual of their progress. Every morning, they would ask me how many cans we had collected as a class. Early on in the competition, when they found out we were 30 cans ahead of the next closest class, they still continued to bring more in. They enjoyed collecting the food, knowing that it was going to those who are in need, so winning the sundae party was just icing on the cake."

The fourth graders counted caroling as another one of their successes. "I think this year, more than ever, it was important to extend Christmas cheer," Fouts said. "With so many things off-limits, I was glad that we were able to spread some joy around the community. The students sang outside the nursing home a couple of weeks ago, and then this past week we walked all around town with both third grade classes. The weather was perfect for it! When I asked one student what she liked about caroling she said, 'It felt really good because people were smiling and just so happy that it made me really happy.' The students enjoyed all of the stops, but their favorites were the nursing home and the Grand Villa because the residents there were so excited to see them and would sing along."

With their involvement in activities like these, area youth continue to grow the holiday spirit.