Students donate gifts for storm victims
Burleson students hold gift bags that went out to children of families who lost everything in the April 27 storms. Pictured, from left, are: (kneeling) Emlee Boster, Eli Terry, Austin Green, Avery Balch, (standing) Gracie Garnett, Christa Ferryman, Hudson Harden and William Turner. | Clif Knight
The children of two families who lost everything in the killer tornadoes that swept across Alabama April 27 were the first recipients of bags of gifts donated by F.E. Burleson Elementary School students earlier this week.
The gift bags were filled by students Thursday morning and delivered later in the day after their plight became known while shopping for clothing at a Hartselle consignment store the preceding day.
“We were told both families lost everything they had in the storms,” said PTO President Krisee Terry. “One family has three children and another on the way and the other family has two children and another on the way. We made up gift bags for all of the children, even the unborns.”
Terry said the school’s “Kids That Care” storm relief project was initiated on Tuesday, the first day of school after the storms, in a partnership with the Morgan County United Way. Crestline and Barkley Bridge elementary schools are participating.
“We got a flyer out to the kids and their parents asking for donations and they have responded far beyond our highest expectations,” Terry said. “Immediately, we had students coming from everywhere dropping off gifts. Donations include diapers, formula, baby bottles, baby food, underwear, socks, scale model cars and trucks, books, baby dolls, games, stuffed animals, canned food, school supplies, and gift cards.
Each gift bag has a card signed by students.
Terry said some of the gifts will be going to children of storm victims in Lawrence County on Friday.
“We’re letting our students choose the items to fill the bags because they know what kids like,” Terry said. “It is our hope that the gifts will put smiles on the faces of the children who receive them.”
