A yearly tradition continued at Clough Pike Elementary School Tuesday, Dec. 22 with the annual toy donation to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. It began more than seven years ago when a room mother suggested that the children give gifts at Christmas rather than have a party and receive gifts. Since that time it has become a tradition according to third grade teacher Mimi Ladenburger.
“It started out as a third grade project, but the entire school is now involved,” said Ladenburger. “Over the years we have collected anywhere from $500 to $900 and we buy whatever the hospital needs in the way of toys. It is a way of teaching the kids about giving instead of getting. This year we had a bake sale that sold out. People have been giving coins and we raised about $500 this year.”
She noted that the kids also learn math skills in the process and some economics come into play when they have to help wrap all the coins.