 A
Visit from Saint Nicholas is a celebration that rallies the
community around the students of “challenged” elementary
schools. The stated purpose of the day is to promote literacy,
but its real success lies in the fact that the day simply cannot
be matched for fun.
One morning in December, thousands
of children who attend “challenged” elementary
schools arrive to find their doors and hallways covered in
gold tinsel. As they enter their classrooms, curiosity turns
to sheer excitement. At each desk is a colorful backpack filled
with books and toys. Finally, the students get to listen to
a story that celebrates the life of Saint Nicholas, a story
based on the European tradition that celebrates anonymous
giving.
Keep
in mind that 70% of the children in the selected schools are
on a free or subsidized lunch plan. This makes it more
than likely that they receive few gifts during the season
other than the ones in their backpacks.
This event offers
excellent group volunteer opportunities for sponsoring corporations:
employee volunteers will stuff and box backpacks at the Backpacking
Party, decorate hallways and classrooms and deposit the backpacks
at the schools the evening before the event. In addition,
these volunteers receive the joy and delight of reading to
the kids and joining in on the celebration.
For your contribution of $25 for each sponsored child, HandsOn Jacksonville will send a festive holiday card to each person on your list acknowledging your gift in their name or in memory/honor of someone special. Please click Share the Joy!, download and complete the donor information requested and mail to us at HOJ.
For individuals
and corporations interested in supporting this event through
sponsorships and employee volunteering, please fill out the
form below. Click Sponsorship Details for additional information concerning each sponsorship.
Saint
Nicholas Sponsorship Form
= required information
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