In the spirit of unity and care for their community, Randolph Elementary School (RES) has been fostering a heartwarming tradition over the past five years during the Christmas season. Teaming up with local quarries, Lhoist and Ready Mix USA, RES has been extending a helping hand to the children and families in need, embodying the true essence of the holiday season.
The initiative, spearheaded by RES counselor Julie Massey, begins with the provision of a list containing the names of children in need along with their clothing and shoe sizes. Lhoist and Ready Mix USA, committed to giving back to their community, eagerly undertake the task of fulfilling the needs of each student. Splitting the list between them, these local companies go above and beyond to provide essential items for the children, ensuring they have a brighter Christmas.
Collaborating with the generous support of the local grocery store, Sav-Mor, Lhoist and Ready Mix USA assemble boxes of food at discounted rates. Additionally, this year witnessed an extra boost of contributions towards the groceries, showcasing the unwavering dedication of these entities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these families.
Originally initiated to provide basic clothing such as shoes, jackets, pants, and shirts for children in need, the project has expanded its scope. Now, the endeavor encompasses not only essential clothing but also presents and toys, all made possible through the collective generosity of employees and the local community.
A key element of this heartwarming initiative is the discreet distribution of these items. Families are able to collect the provisions from the school, ensuring that children can be surprised on Christmas morning with gifts they might not have received otherwise. This thoughtful gesture adds a touch of magic to the holiday season for these families.
This year, the initiative extended its support to 25 families, impacting the lives of 61 children! Remarkably, the assistance isn’t limited by the age of the children — whether they’re younger or older than elementary school age, every child is considered and provided for within each family in need.
Beyond the holiday season, Ready Mix USA continues its support throughout the school year. From sponsoring monthly birthday parties complete with balloons and ice cream to contributing books to the school library or funding students’ book purchases at fairs, their dedication to the students’ welfare is evident throughout the academic calendar.
Principal Hollie Tillery, touched by the immense generosity displayed, highlighted the profound impact of such initiatives on restoring faith in humanity. She emphasized the pivotal role played by Ready Mix USA, Lhoist, and especially RES counselor Julie Massey, acknowledging that none of this would be possible without her dedicated coordination and commitment.
Randolph Elementary School’s heartwarming Christmas initiative stands as a testament to the power of community unity, generosity, and compassion. It’s a reminder that even during challenging times, the spirit of giving can create immense joy and hope for those in need.
