By Wednesday, the December Project had started to feel like a rhythm — a quiet pulse of goodness woven into ordinary days. On the board, in red chalk, the new instruction read: “Mission #10 – Give what you no longer need.”
Ms. Larsen explained that the class would collect clothes, toys, and books for families in need. “Look around your home,” she said, “and see what could bless someone else.” She paused, letting that word settle — bless. It wasn’t about getting rid of old things; it was about giving them a new purpose.
That afternoon, students went home and began searching. Emma gathered picture books she’d outgrown but couldn’t quite part with — until she imagined another child reading them for the first time. Jonas found a warm jacket he’d barely worn, and Ida convinced her parents to add a few extra scarves and gloves. Some even brought toys, cleaned and carefully packed in boxes with ribbons.
By Friday, a small mountain of donations had formed in the corner of the classroom. Ms. Larsen’s voice was warm when she said, “These will go to families who could use a little light this Christmas. You’ve done more than collect things — you’ve given comfort.”
As they carried the boxes to the school office, Jonas whispered to Emma, “It’s strange — giving stuff away actually feels… good.” She nodded. “Maybe that’s the secret. The more you give, the more you have to smile about.”