During this special time of year, so many people are finding ways to give back in order to help others.

Amanda Donaho’s third-grade class at Springville Elementary School found a unique way to give back and they called it the “Giving Back” project for the Holiday Season. “We are selling ‘Cookie Mix Jars’ in order to raise money to purchase a cow to send overseas to a needy family,” said Donaho. “This program not only provides a family with the cow, but it gives the family life skills in order to better themselves and other families in their community. Through this project, my students are learning about giving to others during this holiday season, how one small ‘thing’ can help many people, and about economic principals.”

In order to make the cookie mix jars, Donaho’s 22 students created an assembly line in her classroom. The following ingredients were used to create the cookie mix jar. Flour, baking soda, salt, chocolate chip cookies, brown sugar and granulated sugar.

The cookie mix jars are $5 each.

Student Cora King said she enjoyed selling the cookie mix and getting a cow for a family. Another student, Justin Bailey, said he liked buying a cow to give to a family to help them in life.

Student Keith Gilmore said it made him feel good to be able to help someone. Another student, Avery Kelley, said she feels very good.

“I’m excited to be able to do this in order to help other people,” Kelley said. “It was so much fun today at school.”

Parent helpers in this project included Linda McCune, Jenny Gilmore and Tina Kelley.

Donaho’s class also learned about the ups and downs of how an assembly line works.

“They are learning about how the holiday season is not all about getting but really about helping others,” Donaho said. “Thus far, the students have sold about 100 jars. We will be taking orders through Dec. 14.”

To place an order, contact Donaho at amanda.donoho@sccboe.org.

If paying by check, make the check out to Springville Elementary School.

“I truly believe the best way for students to learn is by ‘doing,’” Donaho said. “This project is giving them a first hand look at what it takes to work hard and make a profit, as well as give back to others in the process.”