On Friday, a select number of students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) will go home with an arm-full of wrapped presents.
“I saw a need among some of our students,” said Staccy Lampkin, CHS counselor, who organized and coordinates the CHS Holiday Gift Giving project. This is the second year the counselor has spearheaded the school’s effort to gift some of its students with both items of need and want.
“We give them two pairs of khaki pants and two white shirts, which make up their school uniform,” Lampkin said, “socks, tennis shoes, a pullover or sweat shirt and one item of request.”
Last year, CHS gave out five holiday baskets. This year, the school has selected 15 students.
“Donations have been pouring in,” Lampkin said. “We may be able to give out more holiday ‘baskets’ this year.”
The SIUE School of Education, which is the administrator for the CHS, contributed a host of gifts for students. “We sent them about 60 gift suggestions,” Lampkin said, “and they bought all of them, plus some more!”
The SIUE School of Education welcomed the opportunity to participate, said SOE Dean Bette Bergeron.
“The response from SOE faculty and staff was overwhelming,” Bergeron said, “and clearly reflected the School’s support of the Charter High School and its students.
“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to let the CHS students know how much they are valued, and how proud we all are of their incredible successes.”
Several SIUE senior administrators also contributed generously to the project, Bergeron said.
Some additional contributors to the CHS Holiday Gift Giving project included:
• SIUE Office of the Chancellor
• SIUE East St. Louis Center Director’s Office
• Kappa Alpha Psi Edwardsville/Collinsville chapter
• Officer Funeral Home in East St. Louis
• CHS Art Therapy group
• Patricia Thornton, CHS substitute teacher
“It’s amazing that this effort is fulfilling dreams a student otherwise would not have had
filled,” said Gina Washington, CHS director.
Lampkin said she arrived at the idea after observing CHS’ Thanksgiving basket giveaway, spearheaded by Shawn Roundtree Sr., CHS social worker.
“I figured that the students whom Mr. Roundtree was helping at Thanksgiving would also need help for the holidays,” Lampkin said. “As a social worker and school counselor, we work closely with students and come to know some of their needs.”
Parents and guardians of students selected have been notified to come after school Friday to pick up their holiday items, the school counselor said. “Or we will deliver some of the ‘baskets’ to their homes.
“It’s a delicate situation,” Lampkin said. “We want to be mindful of people’s feelings, while trying to meet their needs.”
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School: The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career-and college – ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st Century.
Photo Information:
Staccy Lampkin, counselor for SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School, has coordinated the school’s Holiday Gift Giving project, for the past two years.