Local students, Lions Clubs collaborate for DLSEC holiday gifts

  • St. Joe Wrappers pose in front of a stack of wrapped gifts for DLSEC RISE and GOALS program students
    St. Joe Wrappers pose in front of a stack of wrapped gifts for DLSEC RISE and GOALS program students
  • : St. Joseph Catholic School 8th graders wrap gifts at the DLSEC building in Yoakum last Thursday.
    : St. Joseph Catholic School 8th graders wrap gifts at the DLSEC building in Yoakum last Thursday.
  • The donated gifts will be distributed at the DLEC’s annual Christmas event on December 13.
    The donated gifts will be distributed at the DLEC’s annual Christmas event on December 13.
  • St. Joe students focus on wrapping gifts for DLSEC students Thursday, Dec. 1.
    St. Joe students focus on wrapping gifts for DLSEC students Thursday, Dec. 1.

    Ninety-nine beautifully wrapped gifts await students under the Christmas tree at the DeWitt Lavaca Special Education Cooperative (DLSEC), thanks to a combined effort by Lavaca County Lions Club organizations and St. Joseph Catholic School 8th graders. 

     

    The St. Joe Wrappers returned for the ninth consecutive year to prepare holiday presents for the cooperative’s RISE and GOALS program students last Thursday, Dec. 1.  DLSEC Director of Operations Meredith Hairell said the gifts were purchased with donations from the Lions Clubs of Hallettsville, Moulton, Shiner, and Yoakum.   

     

    “They are always super excited to come, and they don't get to come until they're in seventh or eighth grade. This year it was just eighth graders. So, they only get to do it once or twice, but they love it,” said Hairell of the St. Joe Wrappers. “One funny thing is they always practice before they come; sometimes they'll practice by wrapping textbooks.”

     

    Hairell said the students worked efficiently and enthusiastically, finishing the 99 gifts in about an hour. The donated holiday presents will be distributed at the DLEC’s annual Christmas program and party on December 13.

     

    “I love to see the students live out their faith in service to their community,” said St. Joseph Catholic School Principal Sean Mooney.  “(Their eagerness to volunteer) used to surprise me, but now it is so common for these young boys and girls to serve others selflessly.”