Happy Holidays!

Long time, no post I see. Been a little busy. We had a Dinner With Dad event for grades K-2 held at the high school. Over 40 high school band members volunteered and did wonderful. I was really impressed by their hard work and how well they listened to my directions. I wanted to donate $500 to the band boosters for their efforts. I made the offer and through their band director they gracefully requested we use the money for another Jacob's Gift cause. I am currently checking to see where in one of our music departments we can donate it to in their honor.

We also had a Fall Funfest at the elementary school through PTO. Some high school football players, cheerleaders and majorettes came to volunteer. The cheerleaders also volunteered for a pep rally we held to kick off Northwest Pride. Jacob's Gift was able to donate $250 to them as well.

Corey & I have been discussing where to dispurse some of our current funds. I'm checking with Stinson & the Intermediate staff to see if we can donate it to either the Science or Math departments. We really feel these are two areas where it can only help. I will let you know what we decide.

This past weekend we held a Cookies & Cocoa With Santa event at the elementary school through PTO. We needed lots of volunteers. I went through my PTO list & still needed more. I emailed Mr. Masowich, the band director & his students once again came to help. We also had cheerleaders volunteer at the face painting table. They did some incredible work!

I really feel good being able to work with the older students in volunteer projects. It's so nice to see one of our main goals being accomplished.

I also went into speak to the advanced Health classes at the high school recently. It was mostly focused on talking about genetic defects as that's what they were studying and Jacob had a chromosomal abnormality. I discussed what we've learned from losing a child also. It was fun being back in school even if it's been 19 years! Boy did I feel old. I'm hoping to be invited back to the next Semester's classes.

I received a Character Counts award from the Stark County People of Character. I was nominated by Mr. LaRiccia, Principal of the elementary school. I was really honored and humbled. I really just do what I do for the kids in our community.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Sincerely,

Joanna