The joy of giving was on full display on Friday, Dec. 6 at Hamagrael Elementary School in a lesson learned outside of the classroom. Despite frigid cold temperatures and a whipping wind, it was all smiles as students embraced community service, doing their part to brighten the holiday season for others.

Fifth graders loaded up hundreds of bags and boxes of items generously donated by Hamagrael families as part of the school’s annual “Adopt-a-Snowflake” program. The students filled an SUV and a large van (supplied by Northeast Acura) with gifts bound for Unity House, the local service agency that will distribute the toys and goodies to area children. Unity House serves more than 1,000 children in the Capital Region.

As in years past, Hamagrael students worked with PTA members and Unity House to create the snowflakes and gather donations. Each snowflake had a wish list of items for children. Families could then choose to donate the items on each list. The effort was part of the school’s Kids Helping Kids volunteer service program. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this holiday season tradition at Hamagrael!