Pocono News Section

Dunmore Kids Give Back at Christmas

Dunmore Kids Give Back at Christmas - Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 4:16PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Sunday, Dec 20, 2009 @ 04:16pm EST

DICKSON CITY, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Kids huddle up here, but they're not coming up with a touchdown play. The Dunmore Oilers football teams and cheerleaders are on a mission off the field inside a store.

They helped raise money to buy presents for other kids. The tradition started last year. The Dunmore Oilers A and B teams won their respective super bowls and were given money from fundraisers to buy themselves trophies or jackets. Instead, they took the money and bought Christmas presents for kids in need in Dunmore. This marks the second year they've given back.

"I think they've learned to not take for granted that everybody has the resources to do this kind of stuff and buy these type of gifts," said Mike Massino, head coach of the B team.

The organizers say this truly is a community effort. Teachers and staff donate money, students collect donations, and the police did some fundraising as well. They raised between $6,000 and $8,000 to give to needy families this Christmas.

"We start from need-based and free and reduced lunches in our school, and then teachers interact with them to come up with a wish list," said Margaret Hart, assistant principal at Dunmore Elementary Center.

She says middle school students raised $1800, and from that, families are getting gift cards to a grocery store.

"It's the right thing to do," said Gavin Darcy, one of the football players. "And other kids should have what we have."

"It's really helpful for the people that don't have anything for Christmas," added Oilers cheerleader Megan Pavlowski.

It's a life lesson learned outside the classroom and off the field.

Volunteers will drop off the gifts to families in need through Christmas Eve.