It’s Maximum Joy
The students at Jackie Robinson Elementary School didn’t know who the special guest visiting their classroom was, but the unmistakable "Ho, ho, ho" told them all they needed to know.
"When Santa first walked in, everybody started yelling ‘Santa!’" said 6-year-old Maila Brown.
Students in preschool through third grade squealed, shrieked, and dropped their jaws Friday when Santa Claus walked through their classroom doors, ringing a bell and calling out "Merry Christmas!" Santa then called each student by name and presented them with a gift.
"I can’t believe it," one student said to her friend, who replied, "I love Santa."
Tissue paper and bows covered the floor as the kids, some clad in Christmas-themed pajamas, showed off their new toys. One girl who wore red bows in her pigtails and a Minnie Mouse T-shirt interrupted the chaos and gazed at Santa earnestly. "Thank you," she said, unable to hide her smile.
The Santa classroom visits and gifts come via the Children First Fund, which estimates $125,000 in gifts and warm winter coats have been given to Chicago Public Schools students this holiday season. The school has found organizations to sponsor gifts for its students for at least the last six years, and the last three years have been sponsored by the Children First Fund. All 120 students at the Oakland neighborhood school received gifts, and students who were absent got their gifts in advance.
"We get a taste of what it feels like to receive and to give," said Principal Gretta Ellis. "The biggest piece for me is just seeing the joy. School, to me, is a place of joy."
Spreading Holiday Cheer
Spreading holiday cheer is easy in Gina Kelling’s first-grade class. The class whooped and cheered so loudly it may as well have been a Taylor Swift concert as Santa called each student’s name. Each walked to the front of the class, posed for a photo with Santa, and proudly took their gift back to their seat.
"When the special guest was Santa Claus, the crowd went wild," Kelling said. "In first grade, it’s maximum joy and excitement."
A Special Connection
No matter what the students wanted, their wish was granted by Santa Claus, who has a special connection to the school. Ellis’s husband, Pierre, donned the white beard and red snowsuit, proudly staying in character for the whole day and saying goodbye with "and to all a good night!"
"That gives him joy just to see how excited they are," Ellis said.
The Kids’ Reactions
The kids may be the ones overcome with glee, but for staff members, the joy is infectious.
"Seeing them getting to celebrate here and getting a present here is such a comfort to everyone who works here," Kelling said.
Conclusion
The students at Jackie Robinson Elementary School experienced maximum joy as they received their Christmas gifts from Santa Claus. The school’s partnership with the Children First Fund has brought happiness to hundreds of students in the Oakland neighborhood. This special occasion is a reminder of the magic of the holiday season and the importance of spreading joy to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who sponsored the gifts for the students at Jackie Robinson Elementary School?
A: The Children First Fund sponsored the gifts.
Q: How many students received gifts at the school?
A: All 120 students at the Oakland neighborhood school received gifts.
Q: What was the total value of the gifts given to students?
A: The Children First Fund estimates $125,000 in gifts and warm winter coats have been given to Chicago Public Schools students this holiday season.
