Some would say it’s the season for giving. Wreaths Across America is planning a stop in Middletown. An annual Christmas toy drive is coming to Warner Elementary this Saturday, opening to more Wilmington-area school families this season, with food basket giveaways expected. Delaware Technical Community College landed its own donation, set to fuel new training in safety protocol.
And, Delaware just named its 2024 Educational Support Professional of the Year from Caesar Rodney. In this weekly roundup, we’ll catch you up on these education updates and more you may have missed. An annual Christmas drive at Warner Elementary will also open for families from Shortlidge Academy and Bayard School for the first time.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, Warner will host a Christmas Toy and Food basket Drive, aimed at families who could use help this season. The drive is run by the Our Watch Corp., founded over a decade ago.
Such beginnings trace to John Robinson and his daughter expanding their holiday tradition of taking gifts to children in women’s shelters around Wilmington on Christmas Eve. The work has now grown to serve more than 150 families in the area this year.
“Our Watch recognizes that times are tough and despite best efforts, there are those parents and/or guardians who through no fault of their own, are just not able to provide around the holidays,” reads a press release from the nonprofit. “Our Watch believes that EVERY child has the right to dream on Christmas morning.”
Children shouldn’t have to go without this holiday season, they said — “not on Our Watch.” Another holiday event is also set for Wilmington students. Parade to send holiday spirit into Wilmington school neighborhoods It’s called a Coat Parade.
Red Clay Consolidated School District will host a holiday procession marked by two schools: Anna P. Mote and Richard Park Elementary. More than 1,100 people are expected to march from one to the other starting at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12. And every student will receive a new winter coat.
“We believe every child should have the opportunity to stay warm during the winter months,” said Lauren Young, principal of Mote Elementary School, in a statement. “This Coat Parade embodies our community’s dedication to our students’ well-being, and we are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received.”
Also joining the festivities will be the 76ers’ Drumline and the Philadelphia Union’s mascot, PHANG, who will be sure to bring along his confetti cannon. Community members are also encouraged to attend. The parade itself is expected to end by 10:30 a.m. when it reaches Richardson Park Elementary.
Source: Delaware Online
