School tradition ensures 81 kids will have merry Christmas

The Christmas holiday is often filled with activity while community members work to spread love, peace and good will to the less fortunate.

These ideals have been practiced by Santa's helpers at Luther Vaughan Elementary every year since 1998. Teachers partner with Sunday school classes and civic organizations to bring Christmas presents and food to the doorsteps of underprivileged children.

Luther Vaughan Elementary was able to help 81 children and family members from the school this holiday season. Since November, guidance counselor Jeannie Moss has gathered lists from students and coordinated the school's annual Christmas project.

Moss was among the community volunteers who spent Dec. 17-19 delivering presents to the homes of students. A few families will receive large boxes of food for a holiday gift.

Moss believes the Christmas spirit embodied by Santa Claus is alive and well here in Gaffney.

"Santa never enters the chimney. It enters through our hearts," Moss said. "We have been overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness from the churches, community members, businesses, organizations and friends of our school."

With a 98 percent poverty rate, there are many needs for Luther Vaughan Elementary students. The school maintains an emergency fund for use in purchasing a new pair shoes or clothes when a student outgrows an outfit.

Churches and individuals have contacted Luther Vaughan Elementary over the past several years to help with the school's Christmas project. In some cases, a Sunday School class and civic group will choose to make it a community service project for the holiday season.