MCCTC students stuff shoeboxes for Christmas

Photo

Neighbors | Submitted.A group of students in the Early Childhood Education program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center are giving back this holiday season by packing shoeboxes for children as part of Operation Christmas Child.

A group of students in the Early Childhood Education program at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center are giving back this holiday season by packing shoeboxes for children as part of Operation Christmas Child.

The students each brought in items to pack eight shoeboxes full of gifts that will go to boys and girls around the world. The shoeboxes included everyday items like toothbrushes, combs and school supplies, plus some fun items such as coloring books, jump ropes and candy.

“It’s a good thing to help others and sometimes it’s the little things that really matter,” said Brittany Burkhart, a junior from Lowellville.

This is the second year a group of students from Early Childhood Education have worked on the project.

“Because we work with children, we have a good understanding of what their needs are at certain ages, so the project is a really good fit for us,” said Early Childhood Education instructor Julie Pagnotta.

In addition to the donated items, the students also included a personal note, a photo and return address inside of each box so the gift recipient could get to know them a little better.

The students all said they would participate in the project again next year.

“A lot of us take things for granted and for these kids this one gift can make a big difference,” said Marlena Philpot, a junior from Campbell.

For more information, contact Jacqueline Kuffel, Career Development supervisor, at 330-729-4120.