WAVERLEY: The spirit of giving is taking centre stage at Waverley Memorial Elementary School as students and staff prepare for a week of community support aimed at helping families in need throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Through its “Waverley Memorial Elementary Cares – A Week of Giving Back to Our Greater Community” initiative, the school is inviting students, families and the wider community to take part in five days of holiday-themed activities and donation drives beginning Monday, November 23.
The initiative encourages people to come together to help make the holiday season a little brighter for families who could use an extra helping hand.
Each day features a different theme, giving participants an opportunity to donate essential items while getting into the holiday spirit.
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The week’s activities include:
- Monday, November 23 – Meal in a Can Monday: Participants are encouraged to wear their favourite team jersey and bring in non-perishable meal items such as soup, macaroni and cheese, stew, pasta or pasta sauce.
- Tuesday, November 24 – Toys for Tots and Teens Tuesday: Wear red, green or gold and bring in a new, unwrapped toy for a child or teenager.
- Wednesday, November 25 – Warm Hearts Wednesday: Wear a favourite hat and donate items such as new hats, mittens, gloves, boots and scarves. Coffee, hot chocolate, soups and stews are also welcome.
- Thursday, November 26 – Breakfast and PJ Day: Participants can wear their favourite holiday pyjamas and bring in breakfast essentials such as cereal, canned or powdered milk and meal replacement drinks.
- Friday, November 27 – I Can’t Believe the Week Has Passed So Quickly Friday: Those who miss an opportunity to donate earlier in the week can bring in any of the requested items, including food, clothing, winter accessories and toys.
All food donations are collected through Feed Nova Scotia’s Stuff-a-Bus program, while the Salvation Army collects donated toys and clothing. The items are distributed to families in need throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality.
While students and staff are encouraged to participate in the themed activities, organizers emphasize that making a donation is not a requirement.
The goal is to ensure every student feels included and enjoys the week, regardless of their ability to contribute, said guidance counsellor John Jennings.
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Community members, local families and anyone interested in helping are also invited to participate.
Donations can be arranged by contacting Waverley Memorial Elementary School at 902-860-4150.
Whether it is a can of soup, a warm pair of mittens, breakfast essentials or a new toy, organizers say every contribution can make a difference to a family facing difficult circumstances.
As the holiday season approaches, the school hopes the initiative will bring the greater community together while teaching students the importance of kindness, generosity and looking out for others.
The message behind the campaign is simple: no act of generosity is too small, and when a community comes together, it can make a meaningful difference.
