What is Generosity?
The University of Notre Dame’s Science of Generosity Project defines generosity as “the virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly.”
Breaking down this definition there are three parts; Generosity is giving good things, giving freely, and giving abundantly.
For the month of December our School Counselors in Hancock County have been challenging our students to be Generous. The Generosity challenge is taking place over three weeks and culminates in this week’s donation to Heartland Villa.
Week one– Students were challenged to give the gift of Time or Service: “Give up some of your time to spend with someone else or if you know someone who could use a helping hand step in and help them.” At South Hancock Guidance Counselor, Falhlin Anderson, posted a clip from “the Grinch” about when he took all the presents but he couldn’t stop Christmas from coming and related it to generosity and then asked how they could show generosity this Christmas without giving “Stuff”.
Here are some of their replies:
*Layla McKinney: Call my grandparents and check on them.
*Raelyn Brown: Go visit friends and loved ones, spend time with them , tell them you love them.
*Sylas Cox: Be kind to others.
*Emma Cox: Tell people that you love them
*Simon Worth: Helping someone when they are in trouble.
*Isabelle Ramsey: Listening when someone is sad
*Jaxsen Heflin: Offering a helping hand when someone needs help with something.
*Connor Laslie: Go visit a neighbor. Help a neighbor clean their yard.
*Levi Dixon: Help someone study and play with them
*Sean Turner: Comfort someone, give them something
*Alexander Kellems: Talk about your favorite things.
*Raylee Johnson: Go see my neighbor. Watch their dogs for them and put everything back where I got it.
Week two– Give the Gift of Words: “Do you know any kind, caring or generous people making a difference in your life? Tell them how much you appreciate them or write them a note!” Guidance Counselor at North Hancock, Sona Miller, challenged students and parents to make/ write/ sign Christmas cards for the residents of Heartland Villa.
Week three- Give the Gift of STUFF: This has been a tough year for all but harder for some. We will be taking donations of gifts to our local nursing home residents (Heartland Villa). We have received enough items to gift each of the 30 residents at Heartland Villa with an overflowing present. Blankets, puzzle books, snacks and so much more. There was even enough gifts for any additional residents that may arrive at Heartland Villa before Christmas.
The generosity of our students and staff with Hancock County Public School is never a surprise but it is always moving and heartwarming. Thank you so much to everyone who GENEROUSLY donated to help provide a gift to the residents of Heartland Villa.
