School works to give students an Xmas

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - When the principal of Providence's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary found out 15 of his students and their families were not likely to have food or presents for Christmas this year -- due to varying hardships -- he went to work to set it right and give them a hand up.

Principal Derrick Ciesla sent out emails, memos and Facebook messages to family, friends and his school's community: "These young people have lost parents in the last four months, are staying in shelters or living out of their cars with family members... and some students have been placed in state custody," he said.

"So, at this time of year, we thought it would be a great gesture to go out and add a little Christmas cheer to their life."

The ten boys and five girls needed clothes, toys and money, he said. And friends of the school have paid out big time: by Wednesday, the school's fund had gotten more than $3,000 in cash and donations for presents for the needy students.

Teachers and friends of the school, decked out in Santa hats, were busily wrapping and boxing the gifts Wednesday to present later this week. Ciesla himself said -- while the need is great throughout the entire district -- the entire experience to help these students was also very heart-warming.

The school will accept donations until the start of Christmas break. Call 401-456-9398 for more information.