Elementary school students learn the joy of giving

Mike Chambers, president of Helping Hands, estimates the organization will have served 5,000 more people in 2009 than in an average year — an approximate increase of 10 percent.

Though he was concerned about the effect of the economic downturn on the needy, he said he has been inspired by the acts of charity shown by Porterville residents.

In one of those acts, more than 600 cans and packages of food were delivered to the Daybell Brooks Men’s Shelter Wednesday, by a cohort of Roche Avenue Elementary School fifth-graders.

“Many of our children receive services in the community and this is a way for them to be part of the giving,” fifth-grade teacher Ann Marie Bezayiff said.

Bezayiff led Roche Avenue in its food drive effort for the eighth year in a row.

Chambers said the joy evident on the faces of the students was as heartwarming as the un-asked for donations.

She and two other staff members walked with approximately 60 fifth-graders Tuesday, to the shelter to deliver the food as well as some toiletries for Helping Hands clients.

Bezayiff said the students were very well-behaved as they carried donations or pulled wagons piled with cans.

“It’s a privilege [to bring the donations to the shelter] so they were on their good behavior,” she said.

Chambers said he has been inspired by donations, such as the one delivered by the Roche students, many times since the poor economy has increased traffic to local shelters.

“They just took it upon themselves. That’s what makes it even more exciting,” Chambers said.

He called the community response to those in need this holiday season “overwhelming.”

“This town just comes out and takes care of the people here,” he said.

Chambers said it can be difficult in tough times to ask regular donors to increase the amount they give to organizations like Helping Hands.

He was “concerned” giving would decrease along with the continued downturn of the economy.

The opposite occurred.

“[The economy] got worse and the people got better,” Chambers said. “I was wondering how it was going to be, and this has given me a whole new meaning of how Porterville takes care of those who need it.”

Bezayiff said the timing of the Roche Avenue school food drive sends an important message to students.

“I like to hold it before Thanksgiving because of the whole emphasis on sharing what we have and sharing with those who are less fortunate,” she said.

Chambers said the excitement expressed by the students was “amazing” and “very inspiring.”

“They knew they were doing something worthwhile,” he said.

-- Contact Sarah de Crescenzo at 784-5000, Ext. 1045, or sdecrescenzo@portervillerecorder.com.