In the spirit of giving back for the holidays, senior students Brandon Avery and Bailey Savage from Aiken Scholars Academy decided to start a new book and toy drive to spread holiday cheer to local elementary schoolers.
After collecting donations across the Aiken community, Avery and Savage gifted a new toy, book and a goodie bag for all 420 students at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School on Tuesday, Dec. 19, to ensure each experienced some Christmas joy.
A former student from Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School, Avery said he was inspired by a strong desire to thank his educational roots by giving back to others before graduating high school. After enlisting Savage’s help for the project, both students said many community organizations willingly lended a hand.
Community partners involved included: American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, Aiken Scholars Academy, several individual donors and City Billiards.
“We’re here to give gifts to all these kids who I feel like we need to give back to. It’s a lot of kids that kind of get looked over within the county,” said Avery. “We’re giving out mostly books, but presents too so they have something to unwrap for Christmas.”
Wanting to promote literacy in addition to showing others how everyone can make a difference in their community, Avery said he hopes gifting reading material will continue to spark their interest in learning by experiencing the joy of a good book.
“I know within the community of Windsor – I grew up here – that there’s not a lot of opportunities that these kids see firsthand,” he said. “So, I feel like it’s important for them to learn a little bit or practice outside of school as well. Reading is just a good way to keep them engaged.”
Describing the experience as a “great feeling,” Avery and Savage said they hope to make the drive a new annual tradition for the school.
“We want to do it every year, and it feels good that we’re able to give back to other people who need it,” said Savage. “I was a fortunate kid, but I know there are some who aren’t, so I’m glad we were able to do this as seniors.”
Savage, who aspires to be an educator and currently works at a daycare, said she was elated at Avery’s idea of starting the book drive and immediately dived in with passion for the project.
“When he came to me with it, I was just ecstatic,” she said. “I’m just glad we could all come together to do it.”
After individually wrapping hundreds of books, Savage and Avery, along with volunteers from American Legion, wheeled in carts of books and boxes of toys to surprise students on the last day of school before holiday break.
“They’re all so happy and smiling, and then they come up and hug you and it’s great,” said Savage.
As kindergarteners giggled with joy at coloring books and fifth graders excitedly bounced new basketballs, Avery and Savage happily collected discarded wrapping paper from classrooms as young students took turns thanking them and showing off their presents.
April Ray, a fifth grade math teacher, said she was amazed at the generosity of Savage, Avery and the Aiken community.
“It means so much because a lot of these kids don’t get anything, and to see the joy on their faces and see what they’re getting just blows my mind,” said Ray. “It’s just so heartwarming to see that – it’s all about the Christmas spirit and the smile on their faces is great.”
Describing Oakwood-Windsor as a “school of readers,” Ray said seeing students elated over books came as no surprise.
“Our kids love it. The fact that many of them are more excited about a book than the toys is making my heart so happy,” she said.
With backpacks full of goodies and holiday-themed crafts, many students left the elementary school in happy spirits as the last school day of 2023 drew to a close.
“Next year, we already have more people who want to be involved,” said Savage. “It’s just growing and it’s an awesome opportunity for different people in the community to become connected.”
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
