Students at Armbrust Christian Academy traditionally exchange gifts among themselves at a school Christmas party.

They now have a new tradition.

Instead of spending $10 on something for a classmate, sophomore Ella Thompson had the idea of collecting the money and buying gifts for other children who might need them more this year.

“I just like helping people,” Ella said. “Every single kid thought it was a great idea. No one said no.”

The 19 students in grades 6 through 12, academy staff and families raised around $400. Ella and fellow sophomore Grace Pascale, members of the school’s Outreach Club, selected Family Care for Children & Youth as the recipient of this year’s campaign.

The foster care organization, with an office on Harvey Avenue in Greensburg, provided a list of 41 foster children and gift ideas for each. Ella, Grace and others shopped for them at Walmart, Ross, Five Below and GameStop, buying clothes, gift cards, soaps and lotions and things for a few babies, including winter wear, toys and books.

“We bought every single kid a gift,” said Samantha Wirth, a secondary English teacher who leads the Outreach Club. “It was great that all the kids stepped up to do this.”

Wrapped and tagged for each kid, the gifts were delivered to Family Care this week and should reach each child by Christmas. Family Care’s office in Greensburg mainly serves Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties, though it sometimes has children in Cambria, Indiana and Somerset counties.

“We cannot thank them enough,” said Dee Pruett, Family Care’s office supervisor in Greensburg. “It’s wonderful, beautiful.”

Asked if students plan to continue their new tradition next year, “definitely,” Ella said.

Jason Cato is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jason at 724-850-1289 or jcato@tribweb.com.

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