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Youngsters learn value of giving to others
Students decorate baked goods for those less fortunate
By Sean Barron
YOUNGSTOWN
Andrew Salupo’s Christmas promises to be filled with generous helpings of food, family and celebrations, but first was the business of lending his talents toward adding a bit of cheer to some people whose holiday might not be as festive.
“My uncle’s birthday is on Christmas, so we usually celebrate like that. My grandparents [also] make a bunch of Italian foods, and we just eat,” the Austintown boy explained.
On Friday, however, Andrew’s focus was on smaller things such as decorating a few sugar cookies that will be donated to people who are less fortunate.
To that end, he was among about 32 St. Christine Elementary School fourth-graders who spent part of Friday afternoon decorating the cookies at his school, 3125 S. Schenley Ave., on the city’s West Side.
The students’ teachers were Karen Joseph and Debbie Palkovic.
The cookies are to go to the Youngstown Dorothy Day House of Hospitality on Belmont Avenue, which offers fellowship, friendship and shelter for those in need. The 5-year-old facility also provides dinners from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Joseph noted.
The Dorothy Day House serves an average of 75 to 100 guests each evening, she estimated, adding that she volunteers there one Monday per month.
The youngsters busily embellished the 144 cookies shaped like stars, snowflakes, bells, Christmas trees, bulbs and candy canes with colored frosting and sprinkles.
A few, such as Olivia Poghen of Canfield, also took their time while spreading their creative abilities.
Another student who was happy to work for a greater cause was Olivia Puhalla of Austintown, who added frosting and sprinkles — not to mention her personal touch — to three cookies.
Olivia Puhalla, who listed reading and history as her favorite subjects, said her Christmas plans include dinner at her grandmother’s home. She added she’s happy to do something for people who might be struggling during the holidays.
Joseph said she started having her students perform the activity four years ago, which is when she began volunteering at the Dorothy Day House.
“I get more from it than I give to it,” she said about her volunteer efforts. “There are many dedicated people who give their time.”
Michael Kollar of Canfield baked the 12 dozen cookies. He also is Olivia Poghen’s uncle.
St. Christine Elementary School is part of the Lumen Christi School System, which means “light of Christ,” Joseph added.