Christmas came early for counselors and social workers in the IVC school district. These staff members help students cope with many issues, including bullying, fitting in with their classmates, COVID, school shootings, a poor economy, and many other issues which have created challenges for both students and teachers alike. Chillicothe Circle of Service’s Literacy Committee learned these counselors haven’t had much of a budget to purchase materials which would help them support these students and their issues, so Circle purchased reference materials and games requested by each social worker/counselor to assist individual school children recognize and manage their own unique situation. Six schools received items for their specific needs, and the excitement was obvious as the resource materials were delivered. Thanks to Literacy Committee Chair Elaine Snyder and members Carol Anderson, Terry Sue Castle, Jane Funk, Marcia Olson, and Julie Webber for their work on this project.

Santa can always find helpers within Circle of Service. This year’s Christmas elves included Janet Gilomen, Marlene Kent, and Pat Speer, who delivered more than 150 bags of candy to Community Needs Agency for inclusion in CNA’s Christmas baskets. Darlene Kumpf, CNA President, thanks all members for their generous donations which help those in need.

Mossville School counselor Lindsay Chandler (L) and social worker Morgan Perez (R) are all smiles as they accept support materials from Literacy Committee Chair Elaine Snyder.

Literacy Committee members Terry Sue Castle (L) and Elaine Snyder (R) present South School social worker Alyson Travis with a number of reference materials to use in her daily work with students.

Christmas candy elves (L-R) Janet Gilomen, Marlene Kent and Pat Speer stand behind some of the candy which was delivered to Darlene Kumpf (r) at Community Needs Agency.