Several years ago, a teacher came up with The Hang a Star for Me program that has kept children warm and reading in Cochrane.

The program at Mitford School encourages families to donate a Christmas bag of bedtime items in lieu of buying teachers presents. These bags contain warm pyjamas and a special book.  Over the years, families have been more creative, adding in fuzzy blankets and stuffed animals.  The teacher of the students who donate get a star with a Christmas message so they know the family was thinking of them. Bedtime bags are then picked up by the Cochrane Activettes and added to the Share Your Christmas hampers.

Nancy Turner, Mitford School, Child Development Assistant, says this is a great way to make a difference for families in need and have the students become personally involved.

“As the students watch the gifts grow under the tree every year, they feel proud, and enjoy having  the opportunity to write a special message for their teacher on the star. This is an amazing opportunity for all involved.”

Turner says this is a great way that Mitford families can show other families that they really care at Christmas.