Students at Immanuel Lutheran School are focused not only on academics but also in learning life skills as they demonstrate and share the love of Jesus in reaching their community and beyond. This year, a number of ILS classes used the concept of a reverse Advent calendar to focus on giving rather than receiving something by collecting food for the Mid-South Food Bank. Each day from December 2 through December 19, students from PK3, PK4, 1st grade, 4th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade brought different food items to help fight food insecurity throughout the Mid-South area. 457 pounds of food were delivered to the Food Bank.

2nd and 3rd grade students and families provided presents and stuffed stockings to bless their Christmas family adopted through Neighborhood Christian Centers (NCC). These students also made Christmas cards for home-bound church members that were visited by Immanuel carolers on December 14. 5th grade students and families provided a variety of gifts and bicycles to a single mom with four children adopted through NCC. 6th grade’s adopted family through NCC was blessed to receive many presents from ILS students and families as well. Coming as “Santa” literally opened doors for ILS to visit and pray with these families in need while sharing the true meaning of Christmas with them.