Independence Primary School’s Stuff the Bus event ensures a merry Christmas for nearby
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – Sometimes Santa arrives by bus. Call it a metaphor, but for many children in Garfield Heights, the gifts they will receive this year really did arrive in a bright yellow school bus emblazoned with the words “Independence Local Schools.”
Amanda Jaronowski, career counselor and district parent, came up with the idea as a way to “act locally” while having an impact on systemic poverty that affects many areas of the world, including parts of Greater Cleveland.
“Garfield Heights is literally 12 minutes up the road from Independence, but it is another world,” said Jaronowski, whose husband graduated from Garfield Heights High School.
Katie Hill, who is stepping in to replace Jaronowski as PTO president, did much of the legwork, in conjunction with Gina Wilson, family and civic engagement coordinator with Garfield Heights City Schools. In addition, T.J. Ebert, principal of the primary school, Francine Kane, service department manager, and Superintendent Ben Hegedish all played roles in the effort. Nonetheless, the students and families of Independence Primary School made the most significant contribution.
They came bearing gifts. Independence Primary School students prepare to “stuff the bus.” (Photo Courtesy of Independence Local Schools)
The hope was that each of the 446 students would contribute a single new, unwrapped toy, but the final tally included more than 500 gifts for kids from Garfield Heights.
“Not only did every student bring a toy, but some of them brought bags of toys,” revealed Jaronowski.
Moreover, the toys were not mere “dollar store” items, but gifts any kid would want.
“It was amazing. Nobody could believe the generosity,” commented Jaronowski. “I was just so enthused when I saw how proud all of our students were when they were walking up to the bus and dropping their toy in.”
Excited Independence Primary School students prepare to send toys to those less fortunate. (Photo Courtesy of Independence Local Schools)
Jaronowski was not the only one overwhelmed by the impressive act of giving. When the bus arrived at the designated location, the generous Blue Devils found a single table, which was, to say the least, insufficient. Ultimately, eight tables, overflowing with toys, were needed.
The joy the children receiving the gifts will experience likely cannot equal that of the Independence students.
“Everybody on the bus was happy and smiling, though they received nothing,” said Jaronowski. “It is so much more satisfying and joyful to know that you made somebody else happy and to be the joy in their lives.”
It’s a lesson the students will almost undoubtedly hold on to throughout their lives.
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