Debbie Vargas’ Fourth grade class had 100% participation in First Avenue’s efforts to supply Christmas gifts to the Tucson Veterans Hospital.
Bulldog students, parents and friends of First Avenue Elementary School donated nearly 500 pounds of comfort items, writing materials and books to the Tucson Veterans Hospital for Christmas gifts this month.
Debbie Vargas’ Fourth grade class won the school wide competition for a Chilly Willie or an ice cream cone from Mel’s, according to first grade teacher Isabel Austin, Comfort Items team captain.
“Every student in Mrs. Vargas’ class contributed to the Christmas drive for Veterans,” according to Austin.
She added, “The entire San Manuel community responded very generously.”
The Scott family; Shawna, Autumn, (in Stepheena Huerta’s first grade class), Lidia and August, donated a dozen individual cloth bags containing lotion, tooth paste, a tooth brush, mouth wash, a cap and gloves, a back scratcher and a deck of playing cards.
Many residents, including Patricia Downing, Cathy Tucker and First Avenue’s health paraprofessional, Air Force Veteran, Trudy Simon, made a special effort to donate at First Avenue’s office.
“People took extra time to put on Christmas stickers and tie presents together with bows,” Austin said.
“We had gifts of kids’ activity and reading books; hand wipes, hair curlers and writing materials,” she added.
Students and families also sent Christmas cards and thank you letters to Veterans for their service to our country.
“We thank our parents and community friends for their enthusiastic support of our Veterans,” Austin said.