After realizing the difference a few people can make, JAGS sponsor Jodi Ellis decided to participate in the Adopt-A-Family program on behalf of the teachers and staff.

Adopt-A-Family, through the Salvation Army, gives individuals or groups a Christmas wish list of a family in need and asks them to purchase items on the list to give the family gifts over the holidays.

“When I came here my first year, I was asked to take over JAGS and they always adopted a family,” Ellis said. “I thought there were a ton of teachers who had the ability to help out also.”

This opportunity has been given to the teachers for the last eight years and has always been accepted well.

“I always get a good response,” Ellis said. “Every year there are between 20-25 teachers who sign up…Many teachers participate every year.”

Gifted para educator Debbie Likes was one of the first to sign up, and is excited about being able to give a family its own Christmas.

“This is a very dignified way to give somebody a great holiday,” Likes said. “I like knowing that I bought the gifts and that’s enough…I don’t need any recognition.”