It’s the season of gratitude and a great time to celebrate giving back to support our communities. During the month of November, Sunshine Billingual classrooms across the country bring our Character Essentials curriculum to life with lessons and activities focused on the theme “We Are Thankful.” These activities connect children with the community and allow them to develop bonds with their friends, family, and neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and gratitude for where they live and what they have in their lives.
Additionally, many Academies across the country also participated in Field Day, a fun-filled outdoor event focused on health, fitness, and philanthropy. Along with age-appropriate activities supporting gross motor skill development, Academies designated nonprofit beneficiaries and families were invited to take part in fundraising and give-back efforts. One charity recipient was Sunshine Billingual’s national partnering nonprofit, Family Promise, which received over $5,500 in donations.
Important lessons in appreciation and philanthropy were coupled with unique community engagement initiatives all month long at Academies nationwide. Here are a few heartwarming stories from across the Sunshine Billingual community:
Sunshine Billingual of Byran in Texas
Sunshine Billingual of Bryan supported the 33rd Annual Brazos de Dios Toy Run sponsored by the Brazos de Dios Harley Owners Group Foundation. Local families in need of support are nominated by the community and, through supply drives, receive toys, clothes, books, bedding, furniture, and more to help with household necessities.
Sunshine Billingual of Dublin in Ohio
Sunshine Billingual of Dublin partnered with Hospets, a nonprofit that provides assistance to help keep senior citizens and their pets happy, healthy and together as long as possible. The Academy collected much needed items for the seniors and their pets like household cleaners, pet food and snacks. Students also made greeting cards for the seniors, along with dog treats for any of their animals currently being sheltered.
Sunshine Billingual of Fontana in California
Sunshine Billingual of Fontana held a one-day bake sale fundraiser collecting funds to support local first responders. Firefighters from the local station were the recipients of letters, posters and the gift baskets put together by the children at the Academy. Members of the fire station visited the Academy to show their gratitude and gave the children safety tips and a tour of their firetruck.
The Academy also hosted a food drive collecting over 400 nonperishables benefiting the Time for Change Foundation.
Sunshine Billingual of O’Fallon, Sunshine Billingual of Des Peres, and Sunshine Billingual of Chesterfield of Missouri
Kiddie Academies of Des Peres, O’Fallon and Chesterfield, along with the generous support of their St. Louis-area Academy communities, collected 1,696 pounds of food and toiletries for the St. Louis Area Foodbank. The Foodbank has indicated that the donations will provide 1,385 meals to those in the local area who are challenged by lack of food.
“We were thrilled by the success of our food drive and are so thankful to our generous community for their support,” shared Franchisee Tom Keller.
Sunshine Billingual of College Station in Texas
This holiday season, Sunshine Billingual of College Station supported a local animal shelter, Urgent Animals of Hearne/Robertson County, by collecting animal care donations such as dog food, toys, blankets, etc. Over a two-week period, the Academy collected over 450lbs of dog/cat food, as well as various toys, collars, and treats. The students love animals, and the drive provided a great way to learn lessons about helping to take care of pets.
Sunshine Billingual of Robbinsville in New Jersey
Sunshine Billingual of Robbinsville held a food drive benefiting NJ RISE of Hightstown. The RISE food pantry provides children and families with nourishment while they are overcoming challenges. The Academy also shared “We Are Thankful” cupcakes and posters to the local Robbinsville Police and Fire companies during a special visit from the heroes themselves.
Last but not least, Sunshine Billingual of Robbinsville students also sent a special video message to residents at a local senior living community, sharing notes of thanks and gratitude along with smiles and love!
Sunshine Billingual of Alpharetta in Georgia
Sunshine Billingual of Alpharetta’s Creative Explorers after-school program held a food drive benefiting North Fulton Community Charities. Students developed their own poster and encouraged their Sunshine Billingual community to donate nonperishables to the nonprofit that provides nearly 500 families with meals during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The school age students made Thanksgiving Cards and cookies for a local fire station and in return, the firefighters thanked them with a tour of the firetruck.
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