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The Christmas spirit was in the air while Gilda Hinson´s 5th grade Comet Lab students from
Jack D. Gordon Elementary helped less fortunate kids from Floral Heights Elementary pick out
a gift for everyone in their family. More than 1,000 gifts had been donated by Kids 4 Kids,
a non-profit organization, and by Hinson´s Comet Lab class. Each of her students brought a
brand new toy for students at Floral Heights. "Children are so used to receiving,
especially during Christmas time," Hinson said. "This event will allow them to experience
the joy of giving and helping he less fortunate." Beth Davis, founder of Kids 4 Kids,
first came up with the concept of kids helping kids in 1996 when she began the
Fill-A-Backpack Campaign. The goal was to have kids along with volunteers fill as many
new backpacks with school supplies for homeless children living in shelters and attending
public schools in Miami-Dade County. More than 26,000 backpacks have been filled since
then. Kids 4 Kids began as a club with 40 members. Now, more than 200 kids belong,
working on a variety of activities. Aside from the holiday shopping project, Kids 4 Kids
also helps fill bags and baskets for homeless children at Halloween, Thanksgiving
Valentine´s Day. Most of the Floral Heights students come from poor neighborhoods, and
for some the only Christmas present they will be giving their loved ones will be the ones
distributed by Kids 4 Kids and Jack D. Gordon students. "I feel very good and excited
that these kids are getting what they want," said Janelle Ventura, one of the student
participants from Jack D. Gordon. "I am enjoying their excitement." Davis decided to have
the holiday shopping project at Floral Heights simply because she loves the school and the
people. "Helping others is a way of life for me. Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed, I
think of kids who are less fortunate and go on. I do it for them," she said. The
students at Floral Heights were completely clueless to what they had in store for them.
The teachers kept the holiday shopping activity on the down low in order to surprise the
kids, and make them feel special and wanted. "I think that the generosity of Jack D.
Gordon Elementary students and parents exemplify the holiday spirit no matter what
religion they might represent," stated Eileen Wood Medina, Jack Gordon Assistant
Principal. Said Floral Heights Principal Dr. Jean Teal: "Adrenaline is running through
my veins. I am very excited and grateful for those who have made this activity possible."
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