Illinois—We've all heard the saying, "It is better to give than to receive." This is especially true during the Christmas season, and Zelda Christen's fourth-grade class at Hinsdale Adventist Academy (HAA) took that saying to heart this year. When the class heard about a family in need, they decided to forego the usual gift exchange during their Christmas party, and decided to help the family.

The students' adopted family are refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who arrived in the United States in June 2007. The family consists of a father, Adelbert; a mother, Sylvanie; a 14-year-old daughter, Nuptia (in high school); an eight-year-old son, Bledh (third grade); and a three-year-old son, Debrene. Unfortunately, Adelbert was recently laid off from his job.

Becky Wightman, mom of fourth-grade student, Trevor, located this family through the Youth Services department of World Relief, Chicago. According to the information received from World Relief, the refugee families are provided with just the bare minimum upon arrival, so the refugee family the students adopted were in need of basic necessities such as warm clothing, bedding, school supplies, shoes and kitchen items. They do not have a car and rely on public transportation to get around.

The students collected the needed items, as well as some toys for the children, groceries and gift cards. The class wrapped the gifts and carried everything to Wightman's car. (It's a good thing she drives a full-size SUV, because it was filled to the brim!) Wightman and her sons, Trevor and Kyle (a second grader at HAA), delivered the gifts to the family on December 19. Wightman reports, "The family was very excited to see us. Everyone (including the World Relief liaison) was amazed that just one class could do so much!"

After wishing the family "Feliz noel!" the Wightmans opened the door to leave the apartment, and what they saw was amazing—a completely white pigeon perched on the railing, watching them. According to Wightman, "It was the whitest pigeon I have ever seen!" To Wightman, the white pigeon was a reminder that our angels are watching!

HAA's fourth-grade students are a great example for all of us, and have shown that caring for those less fortunate is a blessing in itself! Thank you, fourth grade, for proving that together we can make a difference in this world.

Rebecca Garrett, marketing director, Hinsdale Adventist Academy