Goshen students learn about giving back during the holidays

Second graders at Goshen Elementary School took a field trip Monday and helped spread holiday cheer in Troy.

The nearly 60 students sang Christmas carols with guests at Troy’s new Nutrition Center and donated meals in bags to Southside Baptist Church’s food pantry.

“It was a way of teaching the children to give back at Christmas time,” said teacher Jessica Moran. “They really enjoyed it.”

After a morning visit to tour Troy’s Public Library, the students popped in the Nutrition Center to visit. GES teacher Jerry Claiborne accompanied students on the piano as they sang with seniors at the center.

“I saw some people from church and they were smiling and singing along,” said Jayleigh Adair, 7. “It made me really happy.”

The students made a stop at the Johnson Center for the Arts to view Christmas trees decorated by area schools before making their way to Southside Baptist Church.

“I brought Spaghetti-Os to give people because I like them,” said Faith Crawley, 7. “We are helping people that cannot buy food.”

Students and their families donated enough non-perishable items to create 45 meal-in-a-bags. The items had to be ready-to-eat so that people who don’t have access to microwaves or kitchens can still make use of them.

“I brought ravioli because I thought other kids might like that,” said Brady Wilks, 7.

For their good deeds, the students were rewarded with a pizza lunch provided by Shane Moran, owner of RMS Processing.

“It’s not always about the business side of things,” Moran said. “I was more than happy to help, especially after hearing what the kids were doing. How can you not?”

RMS Processing is looking to help the community in another way, as well. The company is planning to hire 20-30 new employees in the Troy area. No experience is necessary and training will be provided. For more information, call (334) 467-5940.