Learning about the spirit of giving, and wishing good will onto others, Pacelli Catholic Schools students are looking to spread the warmth of the holidays with those who are looking to stay warm.

Situated on the main floor of Pacelli Catholic Schools is a Christmas tree. However, what’s decorating the branches are mittens, gloves and other winter accessories instead of the traditional ornaments and lights. The goal was to collect donations of gently used, or new, mittens and hats so that they may be distributed to various nonprofits in the area. Donations are being accepted until Christmas.

Kathy Neve, a Pacelli second grade teacher, enlisted the help of her eager second grade students, as well as four first grade students to create a Christmas tree that would serve as a way to help those who may be seeking the simple things in the winter time that many may take for granted.

So far, the students have been receptive to doing this service project. Although Pacelli has done this type of service in years past, it was this year that students had voted to bring it back now that the schools were consolidated, and easier to coordinate together.

“It makes people happy,” said Marlie Klankowski, a Pacelli second grade student. “We’re giving to other people stuff that they don’t have.”

This was also part of Pacelli’s religion curriculum to exemplify the “Seven Corporal Works of Mercy,” which Christians practice as an act of both penance and charity while helping neighbors with their material and physical needs thorugh acts of kindness. Particularly, this Christmas tree was an act of “clothe the naked,” according to Neve.

“We are doing a ‘Warm Heads, Hands, and Feet Given by Warm Hearts’ Christmas tree,” she explained. “We are hoping that this will continue the spirit of giving.”

In other acts of kindness, students also had been Christmas caroling at the 1910 Fresh Mexican Kitchen as well as The Hormel Historic Home. They also performed at The Cedars of Austin and Sacred Heart Care Center and distributed handmade Christmas cards while visiting residents. Students thus far had been feeling the spirit of Christmas by learning what it means to help someone else who may not have the same experiences this holiday season as them.

“It makes me feel happy,” said Aubrey Roehl, a first grade student.

“It makes me feel like I’m in heaven,” said Ian Johnson, who’s in the second grade.

“It’s really fun,” said Bradley O’Connor, also a second grade student.

For the next couple  of weeks, there’s hope that the Christmas tree will be completely filled with donations, and that there will be multiple boxes filled with hats and gloves to give to those who may need them.

“It’d be a great problem to have,” Neve said. “Students love being responsible for other people in need.”