Saint Olaf Catholic School fourth-graders make Christmas happen for homeless animals this year

Intermountain Catholic

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Gage Harris, Madison Jones, Parker Weiss and Samantha Shaeffer from Saint Olaf Catholic School display some of the crafts that were made and sold to raise money for charity.
Courtesy photo/Saint Olaf Catholic School

BOUNTIFUL — Each year fourth-grade students at St. Olaf Catholic School participate in the Christmas Closet service project, a store where student-made Christmas decorations are sold to raise money to donate to a charity chosen by the class.

Jeriel Turner and her class begin preparing for the project by brainstorming ideas for crafts that the students can make. Students then study business practices and vocabulary that are applied as they plan how they will conduct the sale. After plans are in place, the class practices writing formal letters. Each student writes a letter to the principal, JoAnn Emery detailing the plans.

Many unique crafts are made: ornaments, key chains, picture frames, centerpieces, pine cone Christmas trees, rosaries, pet rocks and tissue paper flowers. These items are available for sale to the community after school during the week before Christmas vacation. The goal for this year’s project is $500; the class decided the money will go to support homeless pets. Last year the store sold out in three days and netted $400, which was donated to Primary Children’s Hospital. In previous years, money was given to Make-a-Wish Foundation.

"The Christmas Store is very important," Lauren Koob said. "We love the experience and get to have a lot of fun, and plus, it’s all for a good cause."

Carly Anderson added that Christmas is about giving, and "that’s what we are doing. Helping people in need is what Christmas is all about."

Because the Christmas Store is for giving, and the money they raised will go to an animal shelter, "It makes me feel happy and full of joy because it feels good making something and having someone else enjoy it," said Max Booth. "And it makes me excited because the things we make are made from the heart."

This project was initiated eight years ago by JaNeal Rodriguez. Throughout these years, students have learned the values of service and sharing while they implement business and writing skills.