Parent Teacher Magazine Union County Public Schools January 2015 | Page 7

Wolfe School wrapped in holiday cheer

It’s the same every year. A man dressed in a red suit, carrying a large bag
filled with gifts, walks into the room and the shouts from the children can be
heard a block away.
It was no different Friday (Dec. 19, 2014) at Wolfe School. The school’s
approximately 70 students benefited from the annual holiday party given by the
UCPS Facilities Department.
When Santa Claus (provided by Maintenance Coordinator Rick Benton)
entered the room with a hardy “Ho Ho Ho,” the room came alive with exuberant
shouts of excited children.
Wolfe School Principal Les Deming said the school looks forward to the event
every year and appreciates the kindness of the Facilities Department, which is
comprised of maintenance and facilities employees.
“ You can see the smiles on the kids’ faces,” Deming said. “This event uplifts
everybody, the staff, the students and their families. They look forward to this
day.”
Facilities Director Don Hughes said Wolfe teachers give the Facilities
Department a wish list from each child. About $50 is spent on each student.
“We try to get exactly what each child asks for,” he said. “Sometimes they want
games or toys; but sometimes they want a sweater or socks.”
Santa Claus, provided courtesy of UCPS Facilities
Department, hands a gift to a student during the UCPS
The holiday party has been an 18-year tradition. It began in 1996, the
Facilities Department’s 18th annual Christmas party.
brainchild of the late Tommy Laney, a technical supervisor with the UCPS
Maintenance Department.
“This is giving back to the community,” Hughes said. “We’re here for them. That’s why we’re here. We’re here for the kids. This is
our way of giving back. These kids are very special.”
The Facilities Department raises money for this event each year through its annual Ed Sweeney Memorial Golf tournament. The money
for the event is augmented with money from a few other fund-raising events and from the employees’ own pockets.
-- This article was written by Deb Coates Bledsoe, Union County Public Schools Communications Coordinator and provided courtesy of
the UCPS Communications Office.

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