Students Learn the Value of Giving at St. John Catholic School

With the frenzied gift-giving season in full swing, one area school has focused its holiday spirit on giving back to the local community by hosting “Nickels for St. Nicholas.” 

In honor of St. Nicholas Day which occurs annually on Dec. 6, local students at St. John Catholic School scoured backpacks, pockets, sofas and even shoes for nickels to support area residents in need. Students collected nickels from Nov. 16 through Dec. 6 with the hopes of spreading a message of giving this season.

Historically, the feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated throughout the world.  In most countries, it is the day on which presents are received.  This tradition of gift-giving dates back to the third century when then Bishop Nicholas travelled through the city at night, quietly and gently leaving gifts of food and money for the needy. 

An eighth grade student was selected to dress in period costume as St. Nicholas and, with some  assistants, traveled throughout the school, ringing a bell, and asking students for donations of nickels.   In a short time, the enormous basket overflowed with thousands of nickels for charity.  

“This year all the children of St. John School have tried to emulate the good and gentle bishop (now known at St. Nicholas) by looking for nickels in their rooms, soliciting their families, and more just so that they could “give" to St. Nicholas to help those in need,” said Susan Foley, one of the event organizers and teacher at St. John School.  

“This event is indeed memorable for our students and it provides a fantastic learning experience about giving back to our community," Foley said.

St. John students have celebrated the tradition of “Nickels for St. Nicholas” for several years. It continues to be one of the most popular activities for school students.

St. John School is a private, Catholic School in Westminster, serving grades Pre-K through 8.

This information contained in this article was submitted by a representative of St. John School.