Berkeley schools come through for the holidays

The nightly news, the blogosphere and newspapers all have highlighted the global economic crisis.

But here in the Lowcountry, forecasts of bad economic news have not deterred students and school officials in Berkeley County from giving to needy families in the days leading up to Christmas.

Fred Lawkins, director of guidance at College Park Middle School in Ladson, spent several days walking the length of College Park Road soliciting businesses for financial donations.

The school used the money to purchase clothing and other necessities for the families of students at College Park Middle.

The need for donations this year is high, Lawkins said.

"That's exactly why I've been out drumming up businesses," he said. "Now, due to the economy, we have more need than we could meet in-house."

At Berkeley High School, Paige Austell helped coordinate the school's charitable holiday giving. Austell, who teaches leadership and social studies, said each homeroom sponsored needy kids ages 5-10 at other area schools.

Students were asked to help with the basics, such as clothing and toys.

"We've asked the kids to dig in their pockets and to think about someone other than themselves," Austell said. "Even some of these kids, their families are hurting. We're trying to teach them the spirit of being generous. Many are participating. If they can't, we understand that."

At Cane Bay High School, ROTC instructor Glenn Swilling worked to involve all Cane Bay students for this year's donation efforts.

Cane Bay "adopted" all 10 residents at the Callen-Lacey Center for Children, an emergency youth shelter in Moncks Corner.

The center provided a wish list of items, and students responded and brought in CDs, shoes, shirts and winter coats.

"We're sensitive to the fact that everyone is experiencing hardships. And we want to make it clear that we understand that," Swilling said. "But (the economy) makes it tougher for those who are less fortunate. While we are all struggling, we have to make sure that our fellow man is cared for."

Students at Daniel Island Elementary School learned about generosity during December before school break.

More than 100 students were identified as needing holiday assistance through the school's Light up the Holidays initiative. Students worked with their parents or guardians to bring in specific items such as food, pots and pans and drinking glasses, said Director of Guidance Carolyn Aarons.

Goose Creek High School adopted four families of students who attend the school. Among other assistance, students provided food, artificial Christmas trees and decorations to the adopted families.

A faculty member was to deliver the items last week, said Cindy Driggers, a Goose Creek High administrative assistant organizing the project.

Goose Creek High has donated to needy families at the school for nearly 20 years, Driggers said. She praised the student body and school officials for their efforts over the years.

"We have a wonderful, giving support system here," Driggers said.

Goose Creek High Principal Jimmy Huskey wants his students to value being members of the larger school community.

"We have kids from every area," Huskey said. "Some have very challenging financial situations. We want them to know that everyone is a part of the Goose Creek family."