NES adapts Operation Santa

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Newcastle Elementary School has again modified how it raises funds for Operation Santa, forgoing cookie day in favor of fundraising with less risk of spreading illness. 
“The Christmas can will continue to be around town at the businesses like past years,” said Alaina Liggett, a third grade teacher. “In place of cookie day, we are having class competitions; there are jars in the office. The class that raises the most money will earn a pizza party.” 
In addition to the cans and competition, the fourth grade class is also selling raffle tickets for nine different items. Several students will draw winners of the raffle the morning of Dec. 10 on KASL. Other fundraising efforts will also end that day. 
“The grade-level competition of collecting the most change will also wrap up at that time so the winning grade level can have their pizza party the following week,” said Stacey Jones, a fourth grade teacher. “In the past, cookie sales have averaged around $1,500. It will be interesting to see how they do with the challenge.” 
To date, students across the six grades have raised a total of $2,092. Currently, first grade is in the lead, raising a total of $469 followed by fourth grade with $440, fifth grade with $347, third grade with $344, kindergarten with $279 and second grade with $213 raised. 
The funds raised through Operation Santa go toward shopping for a number of local children. According to Jones, the fourth grade usually shops for roughly 100 children. 
“Two years ago, we were able to buy each child a complete new outfit, underclothing, new pajamas and a board game for the family,” Jones said. “We have adults help us shop locally as much as we can and then we take the fourth grade students shopping at Walmart to pick out a shirt and pants for a child.”