In the spirit of giving this holiday season, our Rams banded together as usual for our annual holiday drive, Helping Hands. The 2021 all-school gift drive benefitted two organizations: FamilyForward and Our Little Haven. FamilyForward delivers comprehensive therapeutic and educational services to support biological, foster, and adoptive families in the St. Louis community and Our Little Haven provides early intervention services for children and families in the St. Louis area by creating a safe healing environment for those impacted by abuse, neglect, and mental or behavioral health needs. Since the families served often must choose between buying food and necessities, paying bills, or giving holiday gifts to their children, MICDS families help by donating new toys, games, books, diapers, and coats to the non-profits.
This year, Middle and Upper School students could select gift tags off of Christmas tree displays placed in their respective divisions. The tags were adorned with individual wishes like « a fine motor tool set toy, » « ear buds, » or « size 4-5 long sleeve shirts (boys). » They could then shop and deliver the unwrapped gifts, diapers, and coat donations to the collection areas in Middle and Upper School. Lower School families were invited to donate through an online wish list.
No matter which part of campus students call home, the donations were plentiful! Erin Hamill, Director of Upper School Community Service, shared, « This was one of the biggest and most successful collections we have had. » Every year through FamilyForward, 900 children receive gifts for newborn through young adult-aged children. Through Our Little Haven, 500 families are served. « The gifts and donations from our Rams community never cease to lift up these families in need and brighten up their holidays. Thank you, everyone! »
Many thanks to all who donated, helped decorate, or organized and delivered donations. Our Little Haven created this special note of thanks sharing their gratitude:
What a wonderful way to live lives of purpose and service by lending our helping hands!