LEXINGTON, Neb. (KSNB) – Students at Bryan Elementary School in Lexington were collecting hygiene products to donate, but before sending them off they took a lap around the lake at Plum Creek Park.
“They’re all working together for the same purpose and they know they’re helping someone,” said Nancy Pinedo, a social worker with Lexington Public Schools. “They don’t know who they’re helping, but it’s about the importance of physical activity and being active, plus they’re helping other kids and other families in the community.”
During gym class, students learn about hygiene, fitness and contributing to the community from teacher Chris Johnson.
“I told my students this morning that this is one of my favorite days of the year,” Johnson said. “It’s so gratifying to see the families interacting, to see the students feel good knowing they’re giving to someone else who needs something, even if they don’t know them, and it’s so gratifying to see the excitement of what we’re doing.”
Many parents participated, some just watching from the sidelines and some joining in the walk with their children.
“Since COVID-19, we’ve really wanted to promote family events that incorporate fitness, so we’ve incorporated hygiene products because it’s unique and something that hasn’t been done locally,” Johnson said. “We also love promoting family fitness and think it’s great to show families how to be active. We invite the whole family, so we get a lot of people to participate.”
Students were asked to bring one item, but many brought multiple items.
“As school social workers, we are very grateful for this event because it helps a lot of families in the area. Not only do we get to distribute them to our families, but also to some of our students in high school, middle school and elementary school,” Pinedo said.
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