Submitted Photo Maria Rice’s fourth-grade students from Little Flower School purchased gifts at Runnings in Rugby this month for Project Joy with the donations they collected.

Project Joy is a longtime program in the community in which Christmas trees are displayed at businesses with wish list tags. The fulfilled wishes go to community residents in need.

The fourth-grade class taught by Maria Rice at Little Flower School in Rugby participated in this year’s Project Joy.

“The Advent season is a time of excitement, joy and preparation, and our fourth-grade classroom is no exception to the busyness that comes with Christmas’s approach,” Rice said.

“Our classroom goal, however, is to focus on the preparation that truly matters – preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ each and every day. Instead of matching the increasing speed of the world around us, we challenge ourselves to slow down and make room for the Lord. My prayer is that when He comes to us, He will find that there is room for Him at the “inn” of our souls,” Rice said.

She said participating in Project Joy provides the class with an opportunity to practice gratitude, generosity and love.

“Each day, I watched children joyfully bring money to put in the jar for Project Joy; no hesitation, no second thoughts, no selfishness or greed; only smiles, excitement, pure love, and generosity. I think this is what Christ meant when he said that unless we become like little children, we will never enter the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:3),” Rice said.

She continued, “It’s so simple for them. There are people who are in need; I have what I need, so I should help those who don’t. How beautiful and convicting. As adults, we have a tendency to complicate things, but I can only imagine how beautiful the world would be if we all approached our neighbors with a simple, childlike love.”

When asked what participating in Project Joy meant to them, the students responded with the following comments:

“It is a time to be thankful for what you have and donate to others who don’t always find much to be thankful for. Everybody should be able to have the same joy and enthusiasm toward Christmas that I do. It makes me happy to know that everybody will be able to be happy during Christmas time.”

“I like to care for those in need because God cares for us, and He wants us to care for each other.”

“I feel very happy that I get to help with Project Joy. I hope the money that we raised makes people happy on Christmas. Merry Christmas.”

“I think it’s important because it’s nice to give people things for Christmas. Even people I don’t know because God loves them, and I should too.”

“It makes me so happy that I get to help those in need, so other people can be happy on Christmas.”

“I’m very grateful that I get to help with Project Joy because it means that I get to help kids who might not get many things for Christmas. It just feels so heartwarming to help people in need.”

“It made me feel good. I’m happy that we could help.”

“We should not be selfish but willing to give things to those in need. I feel great to know that the money will go towards gifts for other kids. I like to know that my class is willing to give things to those in need. When I see happy people, it makes me feel happy.”

“My heart just felt lifted after we went shopping for others. It was the beautifulest thing I’ve felt in my life.”

“Being able to help with Project Joy made me feel really excited about how they will react when their Christmas wishes come true. I would be really sad if I didn’t get anything on Christmas, and I don’t like when other people are sad, so it meant a lot to me. I got to help so many people who might not be able to get gifts for their families, and I love to make people’s day. I just love helping make people smile.”

“As we near Christmas Day,” Rice said, “I’m reminded that Christ often speaks to us most clearly through the hearts of children. Their generosity, joy and simplicity point us back to what truly matters — not the gifts, the lists, or the decorations, but love. In a child’s heart, we can catch a glimpse of Him — present in simple acts of love, quiet sacrifice, and joyful giving. May we all make room at the inn of our hearts, not just this season, but always.”

It is not too late to share in Project Joy this year. Those who would like to still be part of Project Joy or donate a gift can contact Lila Harstad, the local organizer, at 776-5254.