‘It is a privilege'

For several years the students of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy in Warwick have been some of the strongest supporters of the Warwick Lions Club Holiday Project for Children in Need.

They held fund raisers all year long, such as book sales and coin drives, to raise $2,800 which was enough money to sponsor 37 of the 100 children who were served by this effort.

In addition, they purchased $400 of gift items which were used in the holiday “shop” where local children in need chose gift for their families. The students and their parents shopped for clothing, shoes and toys for 37 children.

On the night before the event, they donned elf hats to decorate the venue and set up the “shop.”

Other community service that I have personally witnessed in the past year was the planting of a beautiful garden in the town park, pulling weeds in the village, donating to the Brian Ahearn Foundation, cooking, serving and paying for a community dinner for families in need and planting trees in the village park.

The parents, leaders and especially the students of this organization deserve recognition for their efforts. These students are learning at such a young age how important it is to give back.

The future of our country looks bright with young people like this in our midst.

As a member of a service organization, it is a privilege to join forces with Chosun Taekwondo Academy to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

With deep gratitude,

Claire Gabelmann, chairperson

Warwick Lions Club Holiday Project for Children in Need