Muskogee students donate toys

13 first graders in Muskogee went shopping Tuesday to buy gifts for other kids in the hospital. <br/><br/>News on 6 reporter Rick Wells went along as the kids spent money they had earned and saved, to

Tuesday, April 19th 2005, 11:03 am

By: News On 6

13 first graders in Muskogee went shopping Tuesday to buy gifts for other kids in the hospital.

News on 6 reporter Rick Wells went along as the kids spent money they had earned and saved, to help make the hospital a little less frightening.

The class of first graders from Sadler Elementary School in Muskogee is shopping at Wal-Mart. Markers, coloring books, stuffed animals, games, movies and as much more as their budget will allow. Their teacher is Lora Clark. "Each of you can choose one stuffed animal."

She says the kids read a couple of books; the stories encouraged them to save money. "One of the girls came up with the idea of saving to buy toys for sick kids in the hospital." But the money wasn't accumulating fast enough, so they came up with ways to earn it. "They wanted to have lemonade stand a bake sale and a garage sale, all at school." In two days they raised more than $400.

The students were excited, and at the Wal-Mart in Muskogee, they checked out, bagged up their loot and headed for the hospital, armed with good wishes and home made greetings.

In the pediatric ward they met 3 year old Matthew. "Do you want to pick out a coloring book?" He likes dinosaurs. 12 year old Trey got some stuff, so did 15-month old Stormy. The kids left the rest for other kids who were too sick for visitors. Lora Clark: â€œIt meant a lot to them to connect with the other children."

Afterwards, the kids were ready to celebrate. â€œWe are going to the park to have lots of fun and play outside."