Schools across the country hold fundraisers and donation drives to teach the importance of helping others and supporting their communities

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (Nov. 19, 2009) - Preschools, elementary and middle schools throughout the Nobel Learning Communities, Inc., network are giving back to those in need this holiday season. Schools across the country are holding various fundraisers and donation drives to give back to their local communities and teach the importance of helping others. Community and service learning is a core component of Nobel's signature Links to Learning curriculum.

"As the holidays approach, families across the country are experiencing tough and uncertain financial times due to the economy," said Patty Miller, Chief Operating Officer for Nobel Learning Communities, Inc. "Because of this, Nobel schools are doing their part to make a happy holiday possible for people and families in their local communities. Our students and staff understand the importance of giving back and hope that these wonderful service projects make a difference in the lives of others during this special season."

Examples of holiday service learning projects include:

• Donation drive for soldiers serving overseas. Chesterbrook Academy students in Chantilly, Va., are collecting candy and small toys that soldiers can keep in their pockets to hand out to children in war-torn countries.

• Adoption of an at-risk elementary school. Students at Merryhill School in Summerlin, Las Vegas, are collecting books, toys, games, clothes and blankets for less fortunate students in their area.

• Hope in a Box donation drive. Students at Evergreen Academy in Woodinville, Wash., are collecting items books, small toys and toiletries for homeless children this holiday season. The students will personally deliver decorated shoeboxes filled with these items to a local homeless shelter.

• Pajama Drive for Rady Children's Hospital. Students at Discovery Isle Preschool in San Diego are collecting pajamas and comfy clothes for patients at Rady Children's Hospital. The drive is in honor of a former Discovery Isle student and Rady Children's Hospital patient who passed away from brain cancer.

To learn more about any of the service projects listed above, or for more information on other community outreach initiatives taking place at Nobel schools throughout the country, please contact Kathleen Shaffer at 410-902-5053 or kshaffer@mghus.com.