East Elementary received the gift of community this holiday season
On Dec. 9, East Elementary students smiled with anticipation as they lined up in the hallways. They knew it was a special day, but they had no idea it would include a parade, gifts and Santa. When they stepped outside, the enthusiasm grew as a Wow Supermarket caravan, a truck with Santa, and police and fire vehicles drove by with sirens, horns and plenty of flashing lights.
Students returned to their classrooms to wait for the next part of the surprise. Each class was called to the gym to visit Santa, take a picture with him and receive a gift. Every student received one, thanks to the generosity of Wow Supermarket. The Monroe Police and Fire departments also joined the festivities by handing out each gift. The school's eagle and Sparky, the fire dog, were also on hand to greet and take pictures with the students.
April Granados, a fifth grader, had never had her picture taken with Santa. She was overjoyed that she got that experience.
"I like how everybody is together, sharing the holiday spirit. I wasn't expecting it to be this beautiful. I don't know what the gift is and it's not what matters most. I'm more thankful for everyone here," said April. "The best part for me was getting my picture with Santa."
Fifth-grader Tiffany Mondragon was grateful for those who took time out of their schedule to be there.
"I know the police and fire are busy but they are here celebrating with us. That means a lot," said Tiffany. "I know all the younger students are happy and excited, too. If I were them, I'd be screaming with joy."
Everyone at East pitched in to make the day memorable for students.
"On Tuesday, the staff were wrapping gifts like little elves helping Santa," said Carlita "Jackie" Ramos, the school's receptionist. "The president of Wow made it clear he wanted everyone from the staff to the police and fire department to be involved. He wanted this to be about community."
Ramos and Lizette D'Amico, the school's parent coordinator, helped make the connection possible. D'Amico said the partnership began with a donation. Now, the supermarket sponsors many of the school's events because Oscar Jaquez, the president of Wow Supermarket, visited and spoke with families. He felt moved to continue to support them.
The holiday gift-giving event is one that Jaquez has done in other counties. It was the first time in Monroe. For Jaquez, it serves many purposes.
"We've been in Monroe since 2012 and I had it on my heart to do an event like this here since we have done it for several years in Charlotte," said Jaquez. "When I visited the school, I knew it had to be here. It's very emotional for me, especially seeing the joy on the children's faces. We involve the local police and fire because sometimes, in the Latino community, there is fear. We want the children to see that they are part of the community. They are good people, our alleys and are here to support us. We need to break down that barrier."
Principal Denny Ferguson was all-in when he found out the supermarket wanted to bring the community and cheer to his school.
"They embody the same attitude our staff has, to go above and beyond for our kids. Having community members that have that same heart and put it into action further energizes the team," said Ferguson. "It amps me up to make anything possible because we are not alone. We are in it together."
12/12/2022