JVS Students Donate Shoeboxes

posted 12/29/21 -- Lorain County JVS juniors in the Early Childhood Education program gave back this holiday season by providing Head Start students with a Shoebox Christmas.

The students worked with their Lorain County JVS preschoolers, helping them pick a theme for their shoebox, wrapping it in paper and decorating it to match the theme.

“The preschoolers take the box home and with their parents help, they fill it with things that little girls and boys might need like toothbrushes and socks, and then some little toys and fun things too,” explained Grayson Gifford, a JVS junior from the Firelands district. "This project is our way of giving back to the community.”

“I’m so happy that my students can do this community service project,” said Hilary Duffala, Early Childhood Education instructor.

The shoeboxes and gifts were given to families at LCCAA Head Start sites in Wellington, LaGrange and Firelands.

“Hilary and I have been working together for years,” said LCCAA Head Start Education and Disabilities Specialist Jennifer Bartlebaugh. “We love and value our partnership with Lorain County JVS and it’s a great way for students to get hands-on job experience.”

JVS Preschooler, Quinn Mitcheff, is four years old and was excited to talk about her shoebox. “I made a unicorn box for a very special friend I don’t know! My box is pink, and I put unicorns on it and put unicorn stuff in it!”