ONEONTA (New York) DAILY STAR

December 6, 2006

Preschoolers buy, wrap gifts for migrant kids

By Mark Boshnack, Staff Writer

About 40 preschoolers learned something about the spirit of the holidays in a project that literally wrapped up Tuesday, several of those involved said.

The four preschool classes at the State University College at Oneonta Children’s Center in Bugbee Hall began a penny drive about two weeks ago to buy Christmas presents for children of two migrant families.

Ricky Grimaldi said, "I want to help," in talking about the importance of the project.

But when Grube said the students would celebrate with ice cream when the work was completed, Ricky was quick to note, "Usually, I like bubble gum (ice cream)."

Classmate Olivia O’Donnell came over to work with the two boys. "I like to do this because I’m helping other people," she said.

When Ricky started working on a new package, he called, "I’m going to need some help."

Olivia came over to see what she could do to help get the package of diapers wrapped.

This is the second such project that students have done this year, Grube said. The other involved collecting items for flood victims.

"It helps students think about others," she said.