The students collected donations from parents and staff members. They asked for a list of supplies needed, then travelled to a local Walmart store where they used their funds to buy rakes, garbage bags, containers, dish soap, brooms, mops, gloves, and water bottles.  

 

Because all of Hacko’s students use augmentative communication devices to communicate, Elim’s staff had programmed the needed supply items into their devices to help the students shop successfully. Students were broken into three groups and were able to use their devices to give their opinion on why they wanted to purchase items and to make decisions as a group. Several students then helped push the cart and carry the items to the Elim van. The students were so excited to return back to Elim and deliver the items to the staff members who had been affected.

 

Service-learning is an essential component of Elim’s curriculum. Through service-learning, Elim’s students learn important academic, vocational, and life skills while bringing glory to God through helping others!
 

Elim students used their communication devices to express how they felt about sharing God’s love with the victims of the tornado. We’d love to share their responses with you. They were asked the following question:

 

How did you feel when you delivered the supplies to the tornado victims?  

 

“I felt sad because of the tornado, but I was happy that we could help them out by buying things that they needed to clean up.”
-Jimmy

 

“I felt pretty happy that we could help and excited that we did one small thing to help people.”
-Brett

 

“I feel happy about helping people. I felt mad and sad that so many people lost their homes.”
-PJ

 

“I feel happy. I like helping families.”
-Tracy

 

“I feel happy.”
-Patrick

 

“I feel good because I help. I like to help people.”
-Cortney