Rock Solid Academy preschoolers pack boxes for Wilkes-Barre’s homeless

Rock Solid Academy preschool students, from left, Brynnley Cyprich, Travis O’Boyle and Noah Evans pack shoe boxes with gifts to be delivered by members of the Church on the Square to homeless men and women in Wilkes-Barre.

https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_TDP-Homeless-Boxes-1.jpg.optimal.jpgRock Solid Academy preschool students, from left, Brynnley Cyprich, Travis O’Boyle and Noah Evans pack shoe boxes with gifts to be delivered by members of the Church on the Square to homeless men and women in Wilkes-Barre.

Busy packing shoe boxes full of gifts for homeless men and women in Wilkes-Barre are Rock Solid Academy preschoolers, from left, Noah Evans, Travis O’Boyle and Brynnley Cyprich.

https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_TDP-Homeless-Boxes-2.jpg.optimal.jpgBusy packing shoe boxes full of gifts for homeless men and women in Wilkes-Barre are Rock Solid Academy preschoolers, from left, Noah Evans, Travis O’Boyle and Brynnley Cyprich.

Brynnley Cyprich displays a packed and wrapped shoe box of gifts for a homeless person in Wilkes-Barre.

https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_TDP-Homeless-Boxes-3.jpg.optimal.jpgBrynnley Cyprich displays a packed and wrapped shoe box of gifts for a homeless person in Wilkes-Barre.

SHAVERTOWN — Preschoolers at Rock Solid Academy had the opportunity to serve their less fortunate neighbors when the children brought shoe boxes to school on Dec. 9 to fill with small gifts and wrap for the homeless in Wilkes-Barre.

When asked what a person without a home of their own might like to receive, the children quickly offered to share their toys and favorite trinkets. Upon discussing a person’s needs, the 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children came to realize other things might make more sensible gifts.

First, the preschoolers offered insights on how best to help the homeless.

Silas, age 5, wanted to “give them some bricks to build a house. We could take some from our school!”

Travis, also 5, seconded the idea and suggested he “build a house (for them) out of blocks and pour a growing potion on it.”

In the end, it was decided toiletries and other items to meet the immediate needs of the homeless would be appreciated.

Members of the Church on the Square of Wilkes-Barre provided dozens of personal items to fill the boxes. The small gifts ranged from flashlights to gloves, toe warmers to sweet candy treats and other practical necessities, as well as miniature Bibles. The children also made cards expressing their love and warm holiday wishes and tucked them into each box.

The children were so moved by the project, they were ready to take their wrapped shoe boxes to the streets themselves.

“I am going to give mine to Tom. He’s an old man at the farmers market. He doesn’t have a house,” said Katie, age 3.

“Our preschoolers have such a heart for helping others. I am so proud of them for their generosity and so blessed to be a part of this project,” said Jennifer Baker, preschool teacher. “We pray that the men and women who receive these boxes will find hope in the fact that there are people ready to help.”

The boxes will be distributed to homeless men and women in Wilkes-Barre by members of the Church on the Square. Anyone interested in joining in this community service effort may contact Jennifer O’Boyle at 570-955-9035.