First graders in the East Bay showed their generosity this holiday season by collecting toys and coats for the less fortunate.
Noor Elyse Kershaw and Mani-Ann Talbot, who go to the Mehers Schools in Lafayette, got the idea from reading books about kindness and gift-giving during the holidays.
“The students were really inspired, reading about some families who are going through a harder time, who didn’t have access to all the things that most of our families at this school have access to,” said first grade teacher Laura White.
Kershaw and Talbot said they decided to look through their closets to donate toys and puzzles they never used.
“When I did that, I would think ‘I kind of want that toy but I think that the kid who’s going to get that is going to be very, very happy, much happier than I’m going to be if I have that toy,’” Kershaw said.
Donations are going to local non profit White Pony Express, which serves low-income residents.
“They’ve gone to families that were in need,” said Steve Harrell, director of the general store in Pleasant Hill. “Some of the families are without shelter, some are living in RVs and in their cars. So this is a great Christmas gift for a lot of kids.”
